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!
“I consider myself an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities”: An interview with Pablo Composto, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
For World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the stories and efforts of our athletes for the promotion and advocacy of the full recognition of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder.
5 Min Read
Lloyd Martin striving to make history at TCS London Marathon
Nineteen-year-old Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) athlete Lloyd Martin is bidding to become the youngest known person with Down Syndrome to complete the TCS London Marathon.
3 Min Read
Embrace differences. Celebrate uniqueness. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
Did you know individuals with Down syndrome possess unique talents and abilities?
Andi Qorrolli is basketball’s most relaxed player: ‘I am a master of patience’
The Special Olympics Kosovo athlete cruises through sports tournaments, solves crossword puzzles in a foreign language and aspires to work abroad.
2 Min Read
Always Time For Training - And Gold - in Vesna Mišić’s Multi-Sport Universe
The Bosnia and Herzegovina athlete is a Special Olympics World Games champion in futsal and a regional champion in basketball. And that is only the beginning.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Nebraska Athlete Takes on Capitol Hill Ahead of Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Term
Throughout Washington D.C., Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, and staff from 47 states and the District of Columbia are meeting with members of Congress to advocate for the continuance of funding for the movement’s life-changing work in education and health.
5 Min Read
Sana's Story
Where there is light, there is hope.Let some light into your life and watch Sana's journey from being chained up and excluded in her village in Pakistan to competing at the Special Olympics Berlin World Games 2023.
From Adversity To Triumph – An Inspiring Journey
“These kids we label ‘special’, are truly born to do special things in their lives!”
3 Min Read
‘Don’t be frightened and go for every shot!’
Competing against the best players in the world on one of the most iconic tennis courts was a major highlight for a group of Special Olympics tennis players selected to compete at the Players with Intellectual Impairments Championship at the recent Australian Open.
2 Min Read
Basketball Players On Unified Teams Swap Skills, ‘Learn Love’
Unified partners recount how they started playing with their teams and the friendships they formed along the way.
3 Min Read
Celebrating Dreams and Dedication: Sitthiphon Phisajarn
Sitthiphon Phisajarn‘s story of perseverance, passion, and determination to be able to compete alongside, and against, his twin brother at World Games Berlin 2023.
2 Min Read
One Boy, One Village at a Time
Witness Aaron Banda's journey from being chained to becoming a valued part of his family and community.
1 Min Read