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Athletes

athlete lead
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!

Sebastiaan Van Luijn: From Childhood Bullying to Competing at Turin 2025

Sebastiaan’s journey shows the power of perseverance and community support.
3 Min Read

Skiing "Is My Favorite Exercise!"—Alexandrea Trains for World Winter Games

Alexandrea Rutledge has been working out "a lot" ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for more than 12 years, and this will be her first international competition.
1 Min Read

Be a Fan of Floorball Athlete Fan Xinwei

Fan Xinwei is a teenage athlete who's already an experienced Special Olympics floorball player. In fact, he's been playing floorball since 2016.
1 Min Read

Olympic Torch Bearer and Special Olympics athlete Fanélie Croizat Champions Teamwork Ahead of Turin 2025

Special Olympics France cross-country skier values joy, friendship and personal growth over podium finishes.
3 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

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

‘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

Utah’s Unified Team Sees Growth at NIRSA Tournament, While Siblings Share Meaningful Moment

During the NIRSA Flag Football Championship, the University of Utah demonstrated excellent growth in its Unified flag football team and showed off two pairs of siblings deeply committed to inclusion.
5 Min Read

Lukas Hämmerli and Victoria Kälin Dancing Their Way to Turin 2025

From schoolmates to dance partners, the Swiss duo is set to represent their country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy.
3 Min Read

‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ Campaign Launches Ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025

Initiative to highlight achievements of eight European athletes, each competing in one of the eight sports featured in Turin 2025
2 Min Read

Stephanie Gott Returns to Italy, the Country That Gave Her a Second Chance at Life

Special Olympics Great Britain figure skater is set to compete at the World Winter Games in Italia, the birthplace of the surgeon who saved her life at 10 days old
2 Min Read