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Stories

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These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.

Athlete Perspective: The Importance of Inclusive Research and Evaluation

Special Olympics Minnesota athlete, Kayte Barton shares her experience as an athlete, participant, and Athlete Advisory Board Member for Project ALL STAR, while highlighting Special Olympics’ unique role in advancing inclusive research and evaluation.
5 Min Read

“We all Deserve to be the Main Character in our Own Life”: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy

The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
2 Min Read

No Longer on the Sidelines: Jack Healey's Journey to Special Olympics Football

Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Set to Score More Crucial Goals for Inclusion Through its Global Football Development Strategy

The following is an excerpt from AIPS’ article, “Special Olympics set to score more crucial goals for inclusion through its global football development strategy” which highlights Special Olympics’ global football strategy and the impact football has on people with and without intellectual disabilities around the world.
1 Min Read

Lighting the Way Series, Part 1: Spotlighting Global Family Leadership on International Day of Families

This International Day of Families, Special Olympics is celebrating the parents, siblings, and caregivers who are the heartbeat of the Special Olympics movement.
4 Min Read

One for All and All for One: Team Mari

For Mari Holt, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-awaited dream come true.
1 Min Read

SONA Recognizes Outstanding Coaches Throughout Region

Throughout Special Olympics North America, more than 116,000 dedicated individuals donate their time and expertise as Special Olympics coaches.
4 Min Read

A Mother’s Love Knows No Bounds

This Mother’s Day we celebrate the love and unwavering support of one mother of a Special Olympics athlete and athlete leader.
4 Min Read

FIFA, LOC and WHO team up in Seychelles to bring ‘Be Active’ to Special Olympics

FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup teamed up with Special Olympics and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote inclusion through the power of sport along with how to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
1 Min Read

MPF Level 1 “IM Coach” Course Now Live on Special Olympics Learning Portal

The Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF) and Special Olympics are proud to announce a major leap in the ongoing partnership—the launch of the MPF IM Coach Level 1 Course, now available to all Special Olympics coaches globally via the Special Olympics Learning Portal.
1 Min Read

University of Wisconsin-Madison Plays Host to Biggest Unified NIRSA Basketball Division in Last Five Years

It’s year two of the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosting the NIRSA National Basketball Championships.
4 Min Read

The ‘R-word’ inches back into the mainstream

An excerpt from the NBC News article detailing a recent return of the R-word in the language lexicon.
1 Min Read