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!
Dominique DeHerrera may be undersized, but her size doesn’t hold her back on the soccer pitch. Having played the sport since the age of four, the now 20-year-old DeHerrera gets to show her athletic ability and intense competitive spirit at the forward position. Her fierce and mighty style of play has created opportunities that only a select few get to experience.
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He’s a Special Olympics swimmer, plus softball & basketball player—and TikTok influencer!
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Special Olympics Switzerland athlete succeeds in grueling triathlon
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Special Olympics Zimbabwe athlete Nyasha Derera has been beating the odds for his entire life.
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The Lasalle-Windsor Stingers dugout was filled with raucous energy as the lanky Matthew Cormier made his way to the batter’s box. His teammates cheered, clapped, and stomped to encourage Cormier as he prepared for his turn at bat. Chants of "let's go Matt!" filled the air. It had the atmosphere of a tightly contested game where everything was on the line.
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In an amazing, tight suspenseful game where there were 14 brilliant saves from the goalkeepers and there was brilliant pulsating football (soccer) that captured the… well then whistle blew for normal time at 1-1.
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Le 16 août 2022, l’athlète d’Olympiques spéciaux Gabriel Dupuy a pris place à la ligne de départ pour sa première course aux Jeux d’été du Canada Niagara 2022. Gabriel y représentait Équipe Québec en athlétisme, concourant aux épreuves du 100 m et du 200 m.
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Inclusion in the Canada Games gives Special Olympics athletes the chance to shine in front of their peers from generic sports, and gain experience at major competitions.
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It was a full-circle moment for Beth Meyer. The swimmer has competed for Special Olympics Ohio since 1990 but had never participated in the USA Games, the organization’s biggest domestic competition. But 2022 happened to be her year.
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Unified Storytellers are capturing the sights and sounds of the Cup, from fans in the stands, to those on the field.
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Meet Special Olympics Jamaica athlete Geovannie Britton who is taking part in the Unified Cup 2022.
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Created in 1922, the British Empire Medal is granted by the Crown in recognition of meritorious civil or military service.
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