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.
Leading With Joy, Inspiring With Courage
For more than 27 years, Tham Kar Soon has been a cornerstone of Special Olympics Singapore (SOSG), where his passion for bocce has carried him from local practice courts to the global stage.
2 Min Read
From Leadership Academy Graduate to Facilitator: Iris Mercedes Martinez's Continued Impact through Alumni Leadership Network Engagement
After decades of leading teams in Special Olympics Panamá and Latin America, Iris Mercedes Martinez could have stepped away from leadership. Instead, she chose to invest in the next generation of leaders. She joined Special Olympics after an illustrious career in sales & marketing.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics and Topgolf Build on Partnership’s Successful First Year
The renewed partnership between Special Olympics and Topgolf continues to expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world, creating new pathways into golf and growing participation numbers in the sport while also strengthening competition opportunities across the movement.
6 Min Read
The People Who Made the USA Games
In Minnesota, about 13,000 volunteers filled around 19,000 shifts during the USA Games.
6 Min Read
Media Coverage in Jamaica for the Beach Games is Already Coming In!
The Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Beach Games Jamaica 2026 are just around the corner!
1 Min Read
How Fitness and Health Go Hand-in-Hand: Fima on Supporting Athlete Wellness
This month, I met with Fimanekeni (Fima) Hamutenya, a Special Olympics Namibia athlete, whose experience as a Fitness Captain and Health Messenger helped him rebuild his confidence and inspired him to help his fellow athletes live healthier, more active lives.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Work to Bring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to Life
All Special Olympics athletes want is to have the same chance to prove their worth. Just like their peers, in sports and in everyday life, the inclusion of employment opportunities. Two Special Olympics athletes earned the opportunity of a lifetime: to make the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony come to life.
3 Min Read
Equality Before the Law: How Haley Waggoner is Shaping Legislation for Nebraska
Haley Waggoner, a Special Olympics International staff member on the Government Relations team and Special Olympics Nebraska athlete, has established an impactful connection with the Nebraska State Legislator leading to positive changes in law and local communities.
7 Min Read
Special Olympics Netherlands Athlete Seeks Inclusion in New Documentary.
Now available to stream on YouTube is the new Dutch documentary Meer Dan Meedoen (More Than Just Participating) following Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne.
1 Min Read
Disability Scoop Highlights Special Olympics Research on AI Bias
Disability Scoop featured Special Olympics' recent research examining how artificial intelligence systems can perpetuate bias toward people with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
“Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt”: Leadership Beyond Special Olympics
As the Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress Chair, Kiera Byland has helped ensure athlete voices are heard at the highest levels of the movement.
3 Min Read
Class Is in Session: Transforming College Campuses for All
Graduating high school is a milestone, one that often serves as a launching point to college. This episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio explores that transition for students with intellectual disabilities and how post-secondary programs can lead inclusively.
1 Min Read