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!
Joseíto Rivera Become First Puerto Rican Special Olympics Athletes to complete an IRONMAN 70.3
José "Joseíto" Rivera made history in March 2023 when he became the first Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete to complete an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.
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Once Excluded, Ablaye Is Now ‘One of Us’
Ablaye Ndiaye is one of the stars of his neighborhood in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Yet, years ago, he was mostly an outcast due to negative beliefs and stereotypes about people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
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Taking “Play Unified” to the Next Level
Special Olympics is all about bringing out the best in everyone. Special Olympics Unified Sports, which brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities, takes this transformation to another level. Now, meet a Unified Basketball team from Florida, USA that’s taking the power of “playing unified” to the global level at the 2023 World Games in Berlin.
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World Games Spotlight: Rehan Ali, Libya
Rehan grew up in a part of Libya where people with Down syndrome face widespread discrimination in education, training, and even medical care. Early on, her family had to cope with stigma and her rejection from society.
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World Games Spotlight: Ella Curtis, Great Britain
It's been a hard road for Ella to become a cycling champion—literally. At age six, she had a traumatic fall from her bike; for years, the fear of falling and of the pain never left her. Ella, who has Down syndrome, was terrified and would shake with fear at even the suggestion of a bike ride.
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World Games Spotlight: Anas Khalil Al-Zerba, Palestine
Anas Al-Zerba has made a name for himself as a role model for people with intellectual disabilities, for people with Down syndrome—and for everybody else!
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Special Olympics Athletes Announce NFL Draft Pick for Minnesota Vikings
Two athletes from Special Olympics Missouri and Special Olympics Kansas had the honor of co-announcing the 141st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings. Richard Scott and Josh Alters, both passionate multi-sport athletes, were chosen to make the pick.
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Special Olympics Athletes Compete in the Second Challenge Family Triathlon Series
The second annual Special Olympics European Triathlon Open Competition, as part of the Challenge Family Triathlon Series and hosted by Special Olympics Slovakia, took place this past weekend 18 – 22 May in Samorin, Slovakia.
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Special Olympics Runners and Supporters Run the 127th Boston Marathon
On 17 April, Special Olympics runner Trent Hampton took part in the historic 127th Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Shimmie and Shake Your Way Into #InternationalDanceDay with Special Olympics Athletes
Join Special Olympics athletes as they celebrate International Dance Day on 29 April. The day is recognized around the world by the Dance Committee of the International Theater Institute who is the main partnership of the performing arts of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Special Olympics Actress Anna Sargent Breakout Role in Take Me Home at Sundance Film Festival
Special Olympics Florida athlete and actress Anna Sargent debuts her acting talents in the film Take Me Home, written and directed by Anna’s sister Liz Sargent, at the Sundance Film Festival as it hits the big screen for the first time.
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From the Island of Oahu To the Mainland of Berlin, Germany, Special Olympics Hawaii Athlete Will Officiate Bocce at World Games
Shavanna Mahoe has the distinction of being Hawaii’s first and only Special Olympics athlete who serves as a certified bocce official.
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