Stories

These 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.
Coca Cola Celebrates Danish Swimmer in New Video
The Special Olympics founding global partner highlighted the journey of Eva, in a moving video.
Special Olympics Tennis Player Lily Mills selected for Australian Open Persons with Intellectual Impairment Championships
Three-time Special Olympics (SO) World Games gold medalist, Lily Mills, has been selected as a wildcard for the Australian Open Persons with Intellectual Impairment Championships.
2 Min Read
Defining, Teaching and Fostering Inclusive Mindsets
The following is an excerpt from the article, “Defining, Teaching and Fostering Inclusive Mindsets,” published by Global Partnership for Education and written by Special Olympics’ Chief of Global Youth and Education, Jacqueline Jodl, Ph.D.
2 Min Read
Bullying Prevention on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023
Students with disabilities are 2 – 3 times more likely to be bullied in school. That is why Special Olympics is shining a spotlight on bullying prevention for International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023.
2 Min Read
Media and Celebrities Share Unveiling of ‘Yeah, I am Special’ Collection
The two Special Olympics athletes traveled to New York City to see themselves in athletic poses on huge billboards wearing shirts from the ‘Yeah, I am Special’ collection, part of Special Olympics' larger “The Revolution Is Inclusion” campaign.
1 Min Read
Basketball in Iceland: From Lay Ups to Lifelong Friendships That Turned into Family
In a small country with a population of less than 400,000 people, there is a family with 32 children. They hang out together, hold pizza parties, chat, laugh, but most of all, they play basketball.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces the 2023 – 2024 Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrant Awardees
Special Olympics, Inc. is part of the movement to improve the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by increasing their inclusion in healthcare, health promotion and disease prevention systems.
2 Min Read
Dr. Brittany Routh joins Inclusion Revolution Radio to speak on Healthy Athletes and World Games Berlin 2023
Inclusion Revolution Radio podcast host, Novie Craven, and co-host, Josh Basile, from accessiBe have teamed up to release a podcast mini-series highlighting the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read
Berlin 2023 Wins German Sustainability Award
Berlin 2023 was nominated in the category of large sporting events which “aims to promote the further development of the idea of sustainability in sports, the sports public and the sports industry.”
1 Min Read
Special Olympics British Columbia Athlete Making Difference Within Community
David Johnston has many talents when it comes to playing sports. An athlete in several disciplines, Johnston, starting in 1988, competed in alpine skiing, five-pin bowling, snowshoeing, and many more; however, he says five-pin bowling and powerlifting are his “special sports.” “I got involved with Special Olympics when I was in school and I was put down all my life,” Johnston says about his start. “So, I found out about Special Olympics and how they accepted people and how we get the opportunity to compete.”
3 Min Read
Caitlyn Jenner’s ‘repeated use’ of R-word condemned by Special Olympics: ‘Do better’
The following is an excerpt from Page Six’s article titled, Caitlyn Jenner’s ‘repeated use’ of R-word condemned by Special Olympics: ‘Do better.’
1 Min Read
Unity and Female Empowerment in the Spotlight for the Anniversary Edition of European Basketball Week
More than 250 local and national events will be held across the Europe and Eurasia region as Special Olympics celebrates a milestone EBW edition and a new level of engagement.
3 Min Read