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!
Kayleigh Williamson Completes the 2023 New York City Marathon
Among the racers was Special Olympics Texas runner Kayleigh Williamson who made history as one of the first women with Down syndrome to complete the NYC Marathon (10:09:11).
1 Min Read
Rose Pleskow Holds a Meaningful Role with Special Olympics Partner Brightspot
When Pleskow is not swimming in the Potomac River alongside her mom or running on the track, she can be found within the walls of Brightspot—a software development company just outside the nation’s capital in Reston, Virginia.
3 Min Read
Nyasha Derera Celebrates the 2023 World Games in Berlin
The 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin made me feel at home, welcomed, loved, and embraced.
1 Min Read
Father-Son Duo Shines at Special Olympics North America Tennis and Pickleball Championship
Sports have always been a powerful force for bringing people together, and Special Olympics Unified Sports® is no exception.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Missouri Athlete to Pursue PGA Tour Membership Card
Thomas Cleek has been playing golf for as long as he can remember. The pairing—Cleek and golfing—was just one of those things that was meant to be.
2 Min Read
From Unknown to Top of the Podium: Detroit’s Rising Champions
Just a few miles down the road from their Detroit homes, history was made for a group of students from the Drew Transition Center.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Oklahoma Fighting Peacocks Playing for Something Larger
It is an overcast sky in the middle of September as the leaves break away from the trees, signaling the changing of seasons.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics North America Championship Wraps up Day Two of Softball Competition
On a crisp and chilly Saturday morning at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg, Virginia, Special Olympics softball teams from across the United States and Canada joined together for the 2023 Special Olympics North America Softball Championship. Teams, both traditional and Unified, started in a round-robin format.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Indiana Paves the Way with Athlete Internship Program
Part employment opportunity, part learning experience, internships are often an integral part of a person’s career development.
4 Min Read
Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes: Jamey’s Story
A Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis Athlete Leader brings together students of all abilities through Unified football.
4 Min Read
Discovering the Best Version of Myself: Jianyu’s Story
A Special Olympics China Athlete Leader shares his personal growth story with Special Olympics
4 Min Read
2023 Brightspot Unified Golf Challenge Unites People with All Kinds of Backgrounds Through Sport
The 2023 Brightspot Unified Golf Challenge took place over 31 July – 1 August as 48 golfers descended upon Aldie, Virginia to play four 9-hole team matches over two days at The Club at Creigton Farms.
1 Min Read