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.
Global State of Inclusion in Education: Promises Made Must Become Promises Kept
The infrastructure of exclusion wasn’t built in a day, and it won’t be dismantled in a day. Moving beyond incremental steps in transforming education systems will require
urgent, coordinated action—led by governments, civil society and international organizations—to transform education systems and deliver true inclusion for all learners.
2 Min Read
Unified Sport and Inclusion: Sunday 19 January—A Double Event in Rieti with 5-a-Side Football and Basketball
Two sports, two great passions, one great Unified Special Olympics event on Sunday that will involve athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from the Fortitudo Baskin, Team Sport L'Aquila, and Rietinclude teams, with the support of young refugees from Rieti participating as well.
1 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: A Tale of Two Siblings
Mohamed's journey from facing societal barriers to becoming a champion is a testament to the support of his family and the opportunities provided by sport and Unified Champion Schools.
2 Min Read
Unified Sport and Inclusion: Sunday 19 January—A Double Event in Rieti with 5-a-Side Football and Basketball
Two sports, two great passions, one great Unified Special Olympics event on Sunday that will involve athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from the Fortitudo Baskin, Team Sport L'Aquila, and Rietinclude teams, with the support of young refugees from Rieti participating as well.
1 Min Read
The Sports Ethics Examiner & Special Olympics Team Up to Champion Inclusion in Sport
As the build-up continues to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy from 8-15 March, Special Olympics has teamed up with The Sports Ethics Examiner, for a fresh dialogue around Special Olympics, its athletes and coaches, and its impact on the world of sport.
2 Min Read
Xu Xiujuan: The Extraordinary Story Behind a Radiant Smile
Xu Xiujuan has an extraordinary story to share. Those who meet her are often captivated by her bright eyes and cheerful demeanor, even though her life has been filled with challenges and marked by perseverance.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Launches Sport Sustainability Framework
A pioneering new Sports Sustainability Framework (SSF) was launched in November as a key outcome of the Erasmus+ funded Special Olympics Environmental Sustainability Impact project.
4 Min Read
Greece Commits to Expand Unified Schools Nationwide
Joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion underscores the European country’s dedication to inclusive education through sports.
4 Min Read
TV Star, Photographer, Dancer and Athlete: The Many Talents of Anca Miron
Star of a reality show and featured in ELLE Romania magazine, the Special Olympics athlete now takes on Turin 2025
3 Min Read
Special Olympics and FIS Pen MOU to Celebrate World Snow Day
On January 19, Special Olympics is celebrating World Snow Day by renewing its MOU with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
1 Min Read
‘It Means a Lot’—Team Kenya Trains Hard to Compete at World Winter Games
For athletes on Kenya’s floorball team, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy is an honor they take very seriously.
2 Min Read
Elisa Parutto: Dancing with passion and determination
Through dance, Special Olympics Italia athlete Elisa Parutto transforms her emotions into movement. All she needs is to close her eyes and immerse herself in the choreography, allowing herself to be carried away by the intensity of the music and the rhythm of the song.
7 Min Read