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!
First-Ever Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics Unified Sports Event Took Place This Past Month
Last month on 17 March the first-ever Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Special Olympics Unified Sports event took place in Dakar, Senegal.
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Developing Young Athletes in Montenegro: Zana and Biljana’s Story
Two kindergarten teachers in Montenegro are showing the benefits of the Young Athletes program in their community.
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Sports Help Me “Be Myself” Taylor’s Story
Taylor MacKenzie sees sports as a great equalizer: when she’s in the water she doesn’t feel any different from other people.
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World Games Spotlight: Ranveer Singh, India
Ranveer made headlines in his local papers in 2015 when he became the first Bharat athlete to win a gold medal in golf at a World Games competition.
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Beating the Odds: Meet Karen
One of Team Australia’s youngest athletes, 16-year-old Karen Messmer has overcome much adversity already.
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World Games spotlight: Hamad Al-Ahbabi, Qatar
Hamad Al-Ahbabi is excited to be competing in his first World Games—and he has worked hard for this opportunity.
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Fitness Role Model for All: Meet Clari
Clari Lehmkuhl is a longtime trailblazer for inclusion, starting in grade school.
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Jaime Cruz: Actor, Activist, World Games Competitor!
Jaime Cruz Juscamaita wants to build a better world for people with intellectual disabilities—one play, one speech, one competition at a time.
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More Confidence, Better Health through Sports: Reginald’s Story
These days, Reginald Fong is upbeat and chatty. It’s hard to imagine that he used to be shy and withdrawn, rarely communicating with others.
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World Games Spotlight: Kirk Wint, SO Jamaica
Kirk knows a lot about overcoming obstacles and inspiring others to do the same.
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World Games Spotlight: Josee Seguin, Canada
Josee was still riding high from her multi-medal achievements at Canada's 2018 National Games when she was chosen for the 2019 World Games.
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World Games Spotlight: Rabah Knio, Lebanon
Josee was still riding high from her multi-medal achievements at Canada's 2018 National Games when she was chosen for the 2019 World Games.
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