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.
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. Families shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support that fuels confidence and makes impactful changes to athletes' lives.
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. And she’s not alone—nearly 20 family members traveled from Norway to Turin to support her. Her parents, sister, uncles, aunts—everyone was there, waving custom made “Team Mari” flags and cheering her on!
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. In 2024, six of these incredible coaches rose to the top and were recognized as Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach award winners.
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
“Playing Badminton Taught Me About Winning and Losing and Gave Me the Motivation to Win in Life.”
Special Olympics was in the spotlight at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as Special Olympics Ireland badminton athlete Jonathan Deering delivered a keynote address focused on the power of the sport at the BWF Members’ Forum held in Xiamen, China at the end of April.
4 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
3 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
3 Min Read
2025 Sport Rules Process Now Open—Submit Your Proposals by 15 July 2025
Special Olympics is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 Sport Rules Process.
2 Min Read