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!
Head-to-Head in Judo
“It feels wonderful!” That’s what Mostafa Abdelmaguid from Special Olympics Egypt had to say about participating in his first World Games.
1 Min Read
Caroline Tangitau Sweeps Silver in Powerlifting
Caroline Tangitau traveled more than 11,027 miles/17,500 km from New Zealand to Germany to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 in women’s powerlifting.
1 Min Read
Sana Won’t Stop Running or Smiling
Sana (she only has one name like Madonna) was all smiles before her 400m Level C preliminary race at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
2 Min Read
From Watching in the Corner to Competing at Special Olympics World Games: Alla Makarova Makes an Impact in Berlin
Alla Makarova is an Special Olympics Uzbekistan athlete who had a unique way of entering her field of sport.
1 Min Read
Picture This: From Athlete to World Games Photographer
Khadija Sy, the silver medal-winning 200m sprinter from the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, is back in action. This time, she's at the 2023 World Games in Berlin, Germany—as accredited media for the Games!
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Model for VOGUE Germany
This excerpt is from the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023’s article, “Our athletes model for VOGUE Germany.”
1 Min Read
“Happiness and Pride Through Sports”—Li Xiang’s Story
In China, people with intellectual disabilities can face stigma from the moment of diagnosis.
1 Min Read
On The Bright Side: Meet Jessy
Jessy Lane is a dedicated, diligent athlete who doesn't give up easily. That's also how she lost 100 pounds: through steady & consistent training.
2 Min Read
‘Prejudiced’ Mindset A Major Worry, Feels Finnish Athlete Julia Fonsén
‘The most effective way to raise awareness is to let persons with intellectual disability speak for themselves’
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Goes Beyond the Field of Play for Italy’s Aloisio and Enwereuzoh
“I wish to see more young people make themselves available to support us. I would like to see students and teachers come out because they learn to understand us and know that being together helps us to live more peacefully.”
3 Min Read
Andżelika Stachowiak’s Aims High Ahead Of Her Second World Games
Polish judoka wants “to be the best” in Berlin
2 Min Read
Badminton Community Rallying Together Ahead of Special Olympics World Games Berlin
Special Olympics programs and badminton Member Associations are working hard in close collaboration preparing athletes to shine on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Games badminton competition in Berlin this June.
2 Min Read