Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Building Confidence Through Badminton: Hafiyyan’s Story
Meet Hafiyyan, a Special Olympics badminton player from Malaysia whose lifelong love for the sport has helped him grow in confidence and purpose.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Honour 50th Anniversary of Nadia Comăneci’s “Perfect 10” at European Parliament Event
Special Olympics athletes, Celine and Ionut, were among guest speakers at a recent special event in the European Parliament to honour the amazing career of Special Olympics Global Ambassador Nadia Comăneci – and the power of inclusive sport.
2 Min Read
Teaching Health Through Food: Kayla’s Passion for Nutrition
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Renee Dease met with Special Olympics Michigan staff member, Health Messenger, and athlete, Kayla Cornell, to talk about how she empowers Special Olympics athletes to build healthier habits through practical cooking skills and nutrition education.
3 Min Read
World Down Syndrome Day 2026
Athlete Leaders from Special Olympics Latin America share important messages for World Down Syndrome Day—a day of awareness, solidarity, activism, and celebration.
North America's Athlete Leaders are Ready to Take on Big Challenges
The athlete delegates chosen for the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress see themselves as leaders. Leading is what they intend to do before, during, and after the Congress in March. They know they’ve been empowered to discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges.
3 Min Read
Finding Strength in Community: Heather’s Mental Health Journey
In light of new research from Special Olympics Health published in JAMA Network Open, Renee Dease, a longstanding member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Health Messenger, Heather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma, and the power of community.
3 Min Read
Youth Leadership in Africa is Making News
Across Africa, young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities are stepping into the global spotlight and the world is paying attention. From Regional summits to global platforms, young Special Olympics leaders are not waiting for change; they are leading it.
2 Min Read
Athlete Leaders Step Up for a Historic Regional Athlete Congress
Talk a little with the athlete leaders going to the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress in Michigan, and you will notice they have some things in common.
4 Min Read
Longtime Special Olympics Athlete Shows Passion Through Soccer
It was a sunny day at the Bill Hughes Park in Rocklin, California, where long-time Special Olympics Northern California athlete Bud Hawley sat, ready to be interviewed.
1 Min Read
Meet the Heroes Video Series: For Anyone Who Has Ever Been Told “No”
Everyone needs a hero. Someone they look up to and strive to be like. A person who defies all odds and is courageous in the attempt as they transcend obstacles in their way.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Angola Wins Gold at Historic Basketball World Cup
Special Olympics Angola has made history by winning gold at the first ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
4 Min Read
