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!
"They Make You Feel Different—It's Fantastic"
Special Olympics transforms lives through the power and joy of sport every day around the world.
High School State Champion Will Compete in 2026 USA Games
Imagine lining up in front of 30,000 fans in Cessna Stadium to run a 15-second race. Most people who’ve grown up playing sports will never have the chance to experience anything like that.
4 Min Read
The Mirror Image Project: Special Olympics Athletes Shine as Global Icons
The Mirror Image Project is a social media campaign by Special Olympics that invites Special Olympics athletes to recreate famous photos of Special Olympics Global Ambassadors or celebrity supporters.
1 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Jordan Schubert
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired is a storytelling series that highlights the journeys of individuals who got their start with Special Olympics at a young age—and never looked back.
3 Min Read
Sport in Color
Special Olympics Singapore athlete Noah Tan has forged a career in visual arts, but his 12 years as a bowler helped his craft in a curious way.
2 Min Read
Advocates in Action: Special Olympics Health Messenger Trainings
This summer, Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North America teamed up to host two Health Messenger training sessions in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, KS, training 26 athletes from 10 states.
2 Min Read
Latin America’s Jump in Badminton Gears Up for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
This year, the Badminton World Federation is celebrating World Badminton Day with the theme of “Raise A Racquet—Play, Learn, Celebrate!" and Special Olympics is joining in.
5 Min Read
Building Future-Ready Inclusive Leaders Across Asia Pacific
As an organization that focuses on advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics seeks to nurture future-ready leaders with the right mindset, skillsets, and practical tools to enable success for the movement inside out.
1 Min Read
Dancing Towards Her Dreams: Megan Tang’s Journey of Perseverance and Passion
Some journeys begin with talent, others with sheer determination—but the most extraordinary ones are shaped by unwavering support, love, and belief.
2 Min Read
Lithuanian Twin Brothers Become Three-Time FIBA Open Champs!
Brothers Rolandas and Rimvydas Kriauzliai, aged 24 years old, were part of the winning Lithuanian team at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, Switzerland for the third time in a row. Here, they discuss how their team clinched victory against Italy in a thrilling final, their 17-year journey with Special Olympics and the magic of competing at the FIBA Open!
2 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Polina Finds Meaning Through Sport in Romania
13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Youth Leadership Council Elects New Members
New generation of changemakers from across the region is ready to champion youth empowerment for the 2025 – 2026 period.
1 Min Read