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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!

“Our Presence is a Change for the Better”: Special Olympics Athletes Journey into Public Service

Malta’s Gilmour Borg and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edna Šunjić have achieved success on the Special Olympics stage and are now using their talents to bring about broader change in society.
5 Min Read

Unstoppable Determination: One Athlete's Journey of Passion and Love for Sport

Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.

Martim's Football Journey with Special Olympics and Sporting Clube de Portugal

Martim Maia is a Special Olympics Portugal athlete whose life changed when he discovered his love of football. Discover Martim's journey and the perspectives of those around him in this feature video, supported by UEFA.

Special Olympics Athlete Drives with His Passion, Delivers as Independent Provider

In January 2024, after five months of hard work, Antrone “Juice” Williams received his Non-Medical Independent Transportation Provider license, something he takes great pride in.
3 Min Read

MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region

The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024.
6 Min Read

Daina Shilts Reported on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for ESPN

Daina Shilts is a Special Olympics North America snowboarder who has worked with ESPN as a sport reporter at previous Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics USA Games, and other large sporting events.
1 Min Read

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Special Olympics not only uplifts and champions athletes on the field of play, but also supports athletes in their professional careers.

Patrice Jetter

With over 100 medals won from Special Olympics, Patrice Jetter is an accomplished athlete. From bocce, to bowling, cheerleading, figure skating and gymnastics, she proudly displays medals from each sport, each victory on her wall.
1 Min Read

EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN

On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.
3 Min Read

Special Olympics Jamaica Athlete Named to Global Athlete Leadership Role

Special Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan's thoughtful demeanor and strong leadership skills are large reasons he finds himself as the newly named chairperson for the Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC).
3 Min Read

From the Red Carpet to World Winter Games Turin 2025!

Elisa Parutto made one dream come true when she walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival last week with fellow athlete and accomplished actor Gabriele Di Bello. Now, she looks forward to bringing another dream to life when she competes in DanceSport at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read

Kiera Byland BEM: My Year of Advocacy and Inclusion

Kiera Byland BEM shares her journey since being elected as Global Athlete Congress Chair during the World Games in Berlin
2 Min Read