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!
Patrick’s Iron Will Helps Him Achieve IRONMAN 70.3
Special Olympics Switzerland athlete succeeds in grueling triathlon
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Zimbabwe Athlete Leader Runs Berlin Marathon
Special Olympics Zimbabwe athlete Nyasha Derera has been beating the odds for his entire life.
1 Min Read
Stingers Family Values: Sportsmanship Turns to Success
The Lasalle-Windsor Stingers dugout was filled with raucous energy as the lanky Matthew Cormier made his way to the batter’s box. His teammates cheered, clapped, and stomped to encourage Cormier as he prepared for his turn at bat. Chants of "let's go Matt!" filled the air. It had the atmosphere of a tightly contested game where everything was on the line.
3 Min Read
Athlete Leader Ben Haack Covers the Special Olympics Egypt vs Special Olympics Costa Rica Game Egypt vs Costa Rica
In an amazing, tight suspenseful game where there were 14 brilliant saves from the goalkeepers and there was brilliant pulsating football (soccer) that captured the… well then whistle blew for normal time at 1-1.
1 Min Read
Un athlète d’Olympiques spéciaux Québec fracasse les records aux Jeux d’été du Canada Niagara 2022
Le 16 août 2022, l’athlète d’Olympiques spéciaux Gabriel Dupuy a pris place à la ligne de départ pour sa première course aux Jeux d’été du Canada Niagara 2022. Gabriel y représentait Équipe Québec en athlétisme, concourant aux épreuves du 100 m et du 200 m.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Quebec Athlete Breaks Multiple Records at Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
Inclusion in the Canada Games gives Special Olympics athletes the chance to shine in front of their peers from generic sports, and gain experience at major competitions.
1 Min Read
Beth Meyer Finds Joy in Achieving Long-Time Dream of Competing at USA Games
It was a full-circle moment for Beth Meyer. The swimmer has competed for Special Olympics Ohio since 1990 but had never participated in the USA Games, the organization’s biggest domestic competition. But 2022 happened to be her year.
1 Min Read
Stories from the Unified Cup 2022
Unified Storytellers are capturing the sights and sounds of the Cup, from fans in the stands, to those on the field.
1 Min Read
For Special Olympics Jamaica Unified Cup Athlete and Coach, Inclusion is More Than a Nice Word
Meet Special Olympics Jamaica athlete Geovannie Britton who is taking part in the Unified Cup 2022.
1 Min Read
Kiera Byland's Medals Include Honor from the Queen
Created in 1922, the British Empire Medal is granted by the Crown in recognition of meritorious civil or military service.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics New Hampshire Athlete Becky May Makes Impact in Fundraising and Basketball
In her 40’s and with nearly four decades of experience in various disciplines, May hopes to be a role model for the younger generation and new athletes in many ways.
3 Min Read
Unified Competition: I Learned It’s All About Skills, Fellowship and Understanding
The oath that Special Olympics athletes recite at competitions large and small is brief and sincere: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
3 Min Read