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!
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with Special Olympics Athlete Ablaye Ndiaye
Down syndrome is the term used to describe a set of cognitive and physical symptoms that can result from having an extra copy or part of a copy of chromosome 21. The theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2023 is “with us not for us.”
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Malta Athlete Gilmour Borg Shines as a Leader
“Nothing is more important to me than representing Special Olympics”
3 Min Read
Here’s to the women of Special Olympics!
Extraordinary and talented women worldwide are forging change. At Special Olympics Asia Pacific, we are surrounded by women of grit who smash stereotypes and break biases every day to lead, motivate and bring about much needed change.
2 Min Read
Hays on the Hill: My 2023 Capitol Hill Day Experience
This year's Capitol Hill Day wasn't my first (I've been to eight others!), but it was our first in-person Hill Day in several years and I was so excited to be back! It was amazing to see so many of my favorite people in person and to meet so many new people.
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Special Olympics Athletes Model Webshop Merchandise
On October 27 2022, six athletes gathered at Special Olympics headquarters ready to strike a pose on behalf of the Special Olympics Webshop!
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Special Olympics and Pro Athletes Shredded for Inclusion at the X Games Aspen 2023
Learn about the Special Olympics Unified Skiing and Unified Snowboarding x Games Aspen 2023 results.
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Creating My Vision for 2023
The position has shaped me into a spirited, thoughtful leader in the inclusion revolution, where I help define the mindset of what true inclusion looks like.
1 Min Read
GOING ALL InCLUSIVE IN 2023
Happy New Year, everyone! Can you believe it is 2023?! It’s so hard to imagine that four years in my role as an SSIGM have already gone by. I can honestly say these years have certainly been filled with adventure and the unexpected.
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Building An Inclusive Society: Goals For Final Year of My SSIGM Term
I have four meaningful goals for this year that I hope to accomplish, with the love and support of my mentors and staff from Special Olympics and my family and friends.
5 Min Read
Global Athlete Leader Ian Harper Wins Dimensions 2022 Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' List Award
The award is presented by Dimensions, an organization in the UK that offers support for people with learning and developmental disabilities.
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Leading through Action in Kenya: Boniface’s Story
A Special Olympics Kenya athlete shares his journey with Special Olympics and why he's so passionate about improving the lives of people of all abilities in his community.
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Canadian Companies Showcase Inclusion Throughout Country with Special Olympics Athletes
Throughout the Special Olympics North America Region, companies demonstrate what an inclusive environment should look like and how that translates throughout the communities.
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