Our 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!
Aloysia, a young woman wearing glasses , a purple blazer, gray shirt, and big smile standing in front of a garden wall.
Our Athletes
My Sister, My Best Friend
We have so much to learn from one another.
2 Min Read
Sherrie and another runner hold the burning torch alongside side one another during the Final Leg.
Our Athletes
Sherrie Eadie, Final Leg Torch Runner
Over 100 law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes, the Guardians of the Flame, carried the Flame of Hope, throughout all seven of the United Arab Emirates before safely delivering it to the Opening Ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
1 Min Read
Kiera Byland standing with a gold medal around her neck.
Our Athletes
World Cycling Day
4 Images
Two female footballers on the pitch trying to take control of the ball.
Our Athletes
Picture Perfect Pitches
The month of June is an amazing time for Special Olympics footballers and football fans all across the globe.
1 Min Read
Athlete (in a USA jersey) on the court smiling as another player approaches him.
Our Athletes
Throwback Thursday: A Look Back at an Amazing Full Court Shot
Looking back at Special Olympic's basketball star Matthew Millett's amazing full-court shot during the World Games in Abu Dhabi.
1 Min Read
Young boy jumping on rail road tracks in front of a wall that is tagged with graffiti.
Our Athletes
Our Athletes are Role Models
With over 6-million Special Olympics athletes around the globe, it is easy to find examples of true excellence, dedication, perseverance and motivation.
1 Min Read
Three men in winter coats with gold chains around their necks and sunglasses on standing in front of a group of doors.
Our Athletes
Actor Jon Seda and Hamilton Chicago Cast Members join Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Patrick McCarthy in Gala Video
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, Special Olympics Illinois hosted the 12th Annual Inspire Greatness Gala at the Fairmont Chicago.
1 Min Read
10 young adults standing outside with their arms around one another smiling.
Our Athletes
Athlete Leadership Strongly Represented at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
9 Images
four images of athletes in action poses.
Our Athletes
Special Olympics Annual Summer Games Have Started!
All across the nation, Special Olympics athletes are gearing up for their state’s annual Summer Games.
1 Min Read
7 cheerleaders performing on stage in red and blue outfits with USA across the front.
Our Athletes
Special Olympics Cheer is Leading the Way to Inclusion
It was a successful and amazing week at the International Cheer Union’s World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando. The first Special Olympics Division was launched with 5 US National teams competing in Unified and Traditional Cheer, Unified and Traditional Pom, and Unified Hip Hop. All 5 teams brought home a Gold medal.
1 Min Read
Large group of individuals sitting down for a group shot.
Our Athletes
Special Olympics Asia Pacific Celebrates the Athletes Who Attended the World Games
With more than 1.7 million athletes in 34 countries, Special Olympics programs in the Asia Pacific region are expanding rapidly.
1 Min Read
Female athlete on the track running. Another two female athletes are in the background along with spectators in the seats.
Our Athletes
Speed and Sound
Ecuadorian athlete Jacqueline Gilces starred in one of the most emotional moments of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
1 Min Read
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