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!
Andrea & Cinta: A Unified Sports Journey Towards Gold!
Berlin 2023 basketball champions Andrea Ballesta and Unified partner Cinta Gomis reflect on their Special Olympics World Games experience.
2 Min Read
Tamara Röske: A Star on the Track, Stage and Screen
Special Olympics Germany athlete, model, actor and musician; Röske’s multifaceted talents shine brightly one year on from Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read
A Mermaid in Berlin: Swimmer Anita Reflects on the World Games 2023
One year on from the World Games in Berlin, Special Olympics Italy swimmer Anita Greco and her family look back on the immense impact the competition has had on their lives.
2 Min Read
Bradley Stuart: “If I Didn’t go to the World Games, I Don’t Think I’d Have a Job”
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Bradley Stuart, a football player with Special Olympics Great Britain, reflects on the profound effect that the experience has had on his life.
1 Min Read
Irish Golfers Look Back on Berlin: “It’s the Best Thing You’ll Ever do!”
As the movement celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Irish golfing twins Sarah and Trudy Hyland reflect on the impact of the Games.
1 Min Read
Transformative Power of Believing in one's Potential: A Coach and Athlete’s Bond
Ahmed El Farji has taken on the role of coach with Special Olympics Morocco tennis player Hajar Cherif Lamrani, guiding her with dedication and expertise.
2 Min Read
My Journey with Special Olympics – Zhichen’s Story
An athlete in Chinese Taipei shares how Special Olympics changed his life.
1 Min Read
Samantha Rodriguez: Logging Miles & Leading the Way
To many, running is a solitary sport. One person, one route, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It’s been a way to connect, form a community, and create opportunities for those around her.
3 Min Read
Cyclists Set New Guinness World Record Titles in RideLondon-Essex100
Following Lloyd Martin’s incredible achievements at last month’s TCS London Marathon, Special Olympics Surrey Cycling Club cyclists, Tom Kelsall and Hannah Kemp, have set new Guinness World Records titles by completing the Ford RideLondon-Essex100.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Jordan Athlete Leader Abdullah’s Mission of Inclusion
Abdullah Al Nahas was born in December 2000, and he impacted many lives with his warmth and friendliness, leaving an extraordinary mark on all those around him.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics at UEFA EURO 2024: Excitement builds for athlete-volunteers in Hamburg!
Today, we catch up with a trio of volunteers: Emilio Jungclaus Miranda, Menja Radke and Steffi Rückner—two athletes and a coach from Special Olympics Hamburg.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics at UEFA EURO 2024: Athletes from Hessen Countdown to Kick Off!
Special Olympics athletes across Germany are in training to volunteer at UEFA EURO 2024 through a groundbreaking tandem volunteering programme inspired by the inclusivity of Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read