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!
Latin America’s Jump in Badminton Gears Up for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
This year, the Badminton World Federation is celebrating World Badminton Day with the theme of “Raise A Racquet—Play, Learn, Celebrate!" and Special Olympics is joining in.
5 Min Read
Building Future-Ready Inclusive Leaders Across Asia Pacific
As an organization that focuses on advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics seeks to nurture future-ready leaders with the right mindset, skillsets, and practical tools to enable success for the movement inside out.
1 Min Read
Dancing Towards Her Dreams: Megan Tang’s Journey of Perseverance and Passion
Some journeys begin with talent, others with sheer determination—but the most extraordinary ones are shaped by unwavering support, love, and belief. Megan Tang’s story illustrates the transformative power of family support, transforming her into a DanceSport athlete representing her country on the world stage.
2 Min Read
Lithuanian Twin Brothers Become Three-Time FIBA Open Champs!
Brothers Rolandas and Rimvydas Kriauzliai, aged 24 years old, were part of the winning Lithuanian team at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, Switzerland for the third time in a row. Here, they discuss how their team clinched victory against Italy in a thrilling final, their 17-year journey with Special Olympics and the magic of competing at the FIBA Open!
2 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Polina Finds Meaning Through Sport in Romania
13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Youth Leadership Council Elects New Members
New generation of changemakers from across the region is ready to champion youth empowerment for the 2025 – 2026 period.
1 Min Read
A Full Court of Smiles, Special Olympics Iraq Learns the Importance of Oral Health at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®
For the Special Olympics Iraq floorball team, success isn’t just measured by earning medals, it’s also about taking every opportunity to improve their health.
2 Min Read
Through the Lens in Turin
The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy was an incredible experience that yielded thousands of magnificent moments.
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Alex Leimsider’s Journey from Budapest to Judo Gold
At just 17 years old, the Special Olympics Hungary judoka topped the podium at the Special Olympics Judo Festival in Switzerland.
1 Min Read
Seeing Success: Ji-Hua Li's Journey to Improved Vision at the Special Olympics World Winter Games
Special Olympics Chinese-Taipei athlete Ji-Hua knew the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 would be a transformative athletic opportunity, but beyond her goals for competition, she also had a secondary mission: improving her vision.
4 Min Read
From Namibia to Turin: A Journey of Resilience and Dreams
Special Olympics Namibia's journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 was more than just a flight across continents–it was a leap toward new experiences, self-belief, and a future filled with expanded possibilities.
5 Min Read
Tears at the Finish Line as Dominika Becomes First Slovak Woman with Cerebral Palsy to Complete International Triathlon
On 20 May 2025, 19-year-old Dominika Medveďová from Brezno swam 750 metres, cycled 20 km and ran 5 km before crossing the finish line at the 4th Open European Special Olympics Triathlon Championships in Šamorín to become the first Slovak woman with cerebral palsy to complete an international triathlon.
3 Min Read