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!
From Quiet Struggles to a Wicked Spike: Sonia Ciboldi Rises as Italy Defeats Serbia 2–1
For Sonia Ciboldi, camaraderie goes hand-in-hand with competition as Italy edges Serbia 2–1 and enters the race for fifth place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
3 Min Read
The Stage is Set: Find out who Advanced to the Final of the Unified Volleyball World Cup
After three days of competition and 32 matches later, the finals of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup are set.
3 Min Read
Michael Svitak—Guiding Light of Team Austria!
At 48, Team Austria’s Michael Svitak is one of the most experienced players, taking up the role of “unofficial captain” and leading by example both on and off the court.
2 Min Read
Slovakia’s Rising Star: Šimon Jakuš Shines on Court AND on Stage!
On day two of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025, Šimon and Team Slovakia took on Austria once again, securing a decisive 2:0 victory.
2 Min Read
Day 2 of the Unified Volleyball World Cup in the Books – Up Next
Day 2 of competition at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland from 5-8 October brought a mix of emotions for all 16 competing teams as some rose to the top of their groups and others fell.
2 Min Read
Hope in Every Serve: How Volleyball Inspires Nataliia Vyhivska’s Dreams
DayNataliia Vyhivska and her team played to win in Katowice, beating Team Mongolia 2-0 (25-11, 25-20). “When I’m on the court, everything else disappears."
3 Min Read
Competition in Full Swing for the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
The tournament’s first 6 games set the tone for can be expected over the rest of the competition.
3 Min Read
Chasing World Cup Gold with Finland's Mika Ahonen
For nearly three decades, volleyball has been more than just a sport for Special Olympics Finland athlete Mika Ahonen—it has been a source of challenge and connection.
3 Min Read
Cole Sibus Stars in Another Hit TV Series
Special Olympics Southern California athlete Cole Sibus stars in the hit Netflix show A Thousand Tomorrows.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics North America to Host Regional Athlete Congress for the First Time
Special Olympics North America will gather athletes March 8 – 13, 2026, at the Special Olympics Michigan headquarters for the first-ever Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress.
2 Min Read
Special Oklahoma Athlete Stuns with Singing and Speed
Twelve delegations in total will soon march into Devon Park, signaling the start of the parade of athletes.
3 Min Read
2025 SONA Softball Championship Start Off with Exhibition Game Between Two Elite Foes
It’s a humid sunny day in Oklahoma City at Devon Park. The sun shines from the northwest corner of OGE Energy Field, with shade covering a part of the third baseline.
2 Min Read