Our 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!
A wonderful video created by Special Olympics Lebanon team and athletes to wish everyone a joyful Christmas holiday.
Two videos highlight the Athlete Leadership programming work that Special Olympics offers.
1 Min Read
Learn more about Young Athlete Arianna's story and the Special Olympics partnership with BILLY Footwear entitled Inclusion Fits!
1 Min Read
For SO New Zealand athlete Samantha Shepherd, Special Olympics is the place where she found belonging, personal growth and friendship.
2 Min Read
At age 20, Magnus Orri Arnarson is already a role model for people with intellectual disabilities—and without—in Iceland...and beyond.
2 Min Read
Before you get to know Michael Detouche, a Special Olympics Dominica athlete from the Caribbean, you should know a few things. Every weekend, he fishes.
3 Min Read
Standing on a silver construction ladder with a red top, Shakir Stapleton is tucked deep inside the ceiling working on the technical aspect of computer systems. To the normal eye, the complicated wiring and electrical work can be described as a foreign language. But for Stapleton, it’s just another day at work, in his element, thriving.
4 Min Read
Princess Ayin is a 26-year-old athlete, student and role model to all in Accra, Ghana. She describes herself as tough, passionate and ambitious.
1 Min Read
Karla Violeta Castro González is a versatile athlete from Mexico. Her growing confidence in sports has led to confidence in other parts of her life as well!
1 Min Read
Like many people with intellectual disabilities, Yin Hao dreams of having a good job. But jobs can be hard to find—and job training can also be tough to find. Luckily, there is a visionary special coffee shop, located near Yin's school in Shanghai. It's called The Dream Workshop.
1 Min Read
Michael Jacques lives life overcoming obstacles. He doesn't read or write, but that doesn't stop him from sharing his story in the most creative of ways. Jacques shares his story about how he became a self-published author to his books "I Belong: Can I Play?" and "Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book." A feat that while challenging, was well worth it in the end.
5 Min Read
Novie Craven speaks with former Special Olympics athlete, RJ Nealson, about living with Cerebral Palsy on the “Inclusion Revolution Radio” Podcast.
1 Min Read