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 Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Backyard to the National Stage: Tim Gowen’s Life in Special Olympics
Only a handful of Special Olympics athletes have had the opportunity to meet the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Even fewer athletes had the opportunity to compete in her backyard the year before Special Olympics even began. Luckily, for Tim Gowen, he was able to do both.
3 Min Read
Insights from Focusing on the Invisible: David’s Perspective on Inclusive Health Research
In recognition of World Health Day earlier this month, Renee Dease met with David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica Health Messenger and Chairman of Special Olympics International Global Athlete Leadership Council.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Leader Ben Haack Publishes Book to Help Parents with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Ben Haack is a renaissance man. He’s a Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Australia (including several board assignments), a football (soccer) player and now, he’s added the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments.
3 Min Read
German-Born Stefanie Curtis Prepares to Compete at Special Olympics USA Games
Stefanie Curtis had a different path to Special Olympics. Growing up in Berlin, Germany, there was no local programming for Special Olympics, so she found other ways to stay active as an adolescent.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Advocate on Capitol Hill
From February 9 – 10, in Washington, D.C., Special Olympics athletes from 49 U.S. Programs attended more than 365 meetings with their members of Congress, advocating for continued partnership to support the organization’s work in health and education.
3 Min Read
From Rural Iceland to the Special Olympics World Games Stage
Meet powerlifter Aegir Ólafsson, whose life has been shaped by his passion for strength, sport, and competition.
1 Min Read
Building Confidence Through Badminton: Hafiyyan’s Story
Meet Hafiyyan, a Special Olympics badminton player from Malaysia whose lifelong love for the sport has helped him grow in confidence and purpose.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Honour 50th Anniversary of Nadia Comăneci’s “Perfect 10” at European Parliament Event
Special Olympics athletes, Celine and Ionut, were among guest speakers at a recent special event in the European Parliament to honour the amazing career of Special Olympics Global Ambassador Nadia Comăneci – and the power of inclusive sport.
2 Min Read
Teaching Health Through Food: Kayla’s Passion for Nutrition
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Renee Dease met with Special Olympics Michigan staff member, Health Messenger, and athlete, Kayla Cornell, to talk about how she empowers Special Olympics athletes to build healthier habits through practical cooking skills and nutrition education.
3 Min Read
World Down Syndrome Day 2026
Athlete Leaders from Special Olympics Latin America share important messages for World Down Syndrome Day—a day of awareness, solidarity, activism, and celebration.
North America's Athlete Leaders are Ready to Take on Big Challenges
Before, during, and after the Congress in March; athlete leaders know they’ve been empowered to lead and discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges.
3 Min Read
Finding Strength in Community: Heather’s Mental Health Journey
In light of new research from Special Olympics Health published in JAMA Network Open, Renee Dease, a longstanding member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Health Messenger, Heather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma, and the power of community.
3 Min Read