Stories
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.
Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup 2025 Media Coverage Hub
Puerto Rico is set to host Special Olympics’ first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in the historically rich capital city of San Juan from 5 through 7 December 2025. The event will bring together 200 athletes and Unified partners from 39 countries to compete in basketball. Read, watch, and listen to the media already coming in about the inaugural event:
1 Min Read
The Future Begins with Us: Two Young Leaders from El Salvador Reflect on a Journey of Change
Gabriela Velásquez and Amy Ramírez, two youth leaders from El Salvador, signed up to help shape a summit. In the end it shaped them, too. Since 2023 when they were selected to be part of the Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC), they grew not only as individuals, but as global advocates for inclusion.
2 Min Read
Vanesa Antolín Serna: A Journey of Triumph Through Sport
Cross-country skiing athlete and proud Pau Gasol fan represented Special Olympics Spain at the World Winter Games Turin 2025
2 Min Read
Breaking Barriers: Lessons Learned as a Young Athletes Intern at Special Olympics International
Dylan Brown shares her journey from volunteering at Special Olympics, to interning at their headquarters, emphasizing the profound impact of inclusion and early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities.
4 Min Read
Philippines Leads the Way in Asia Pacific with Robust Commitment to Expand Inclusive Education
First country in the region joins Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, to progress the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through education and sports.
3 Min Read
Lighting the Flame Lit a Fire Within Her: Elisa Parutto’s Turin Games Journey
“In this world, I’m learning to be proud of myself and to support other people who still don’t believe in themselves.”
3 Min Read
Special Olympics unveils the logo for the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico
Energy, Hope and Unity Come Together in the Logo for the First Ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
2 Min Read
The Future Begins with Us: A Global Call to Action from the Special Olympics Youth Leadership Summit
At every Special Olympics World Games, something remarkable happens—a global gathering of young leaders, with and without intellectual disabilities, who come together not just to share their hopes and ideas, but to lead.
1 Min Read
Back to the Future: Eight days at the Special Olympics World Winter Games
Karini Viranna, features writer and producer based in Berlin, had her first insight into Special Olympics at our recent World Winter Games. Here, she reflects on that exhilarating journey which brought her back to her childhood in an inclusive school—and left her wanting more!
4 Min Read
The Mirror Image Project: Your Chance to Shine Like a Global Icon
Special Olympics athletes, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase your greatness and be featured on in a social media campaign—The Mirror Image Project!
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messengers Inspiring Their Communities to Stay Active on World Day for Physical Activity and Beyond
World Day for Physical Activity is celebrated globally on 6 April each year, emphasizing the importance of staying active through sport and physical fitness daily.
5 Min Read
The Power of Sport as a Catalyst for Inclusion
This year for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Special Olympics is highlighting those who make Special Olympics special: the athletes.
3 Min Read