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!
Cooking Up Inclusion with Special Olympics Youth Leaders
Special Olympics athletes are known for their athleticism, determination, and all-around inclusion. However, their skills go way beyond the fields and into places like kitchens!
1 Min Read
Play to Win. Refuse to Lose.
Winning Gold at the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
2 Min Read
Athlete Jaime Cruz Talks About Advocating for Independence and Starring in a Music Video
Champions of Inclusion contribute to a more dignified, just and inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), celebrating the strength of a world where we all enjoy the same rights.
4 Min Read
Downloadable Coloring Pages to Honor Champions of Inclusion
Join us in celebrating the Special Olympics Champions of Inclusion, those people who work tirelessly to transform our world into one that honors and welcomes every individual for who they are and the gifts that they bring.
1 Min Read
Aerie Highlights Special Olympics athletes in the Better Together Campaign
This July, Special Olympics and Aerie are celebrating the Global Week of Inclusion by teaming up for the “Better together” campaign!
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Highlight Mentors During Global Week of Inclusion
The 10 Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers (SSIGM) gathered in a Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal Hotel during the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
3 Min Read
Actress and Model Lily D Moore—Her Words and Advice
Lily D Moore, actress and Special Olympics Champion Ambassador, isn’t afraid to live her dreams. While still in high school, she has already become a professional actress and model. Recently, she’s appeared in the Netflix show, Never Have I Ever which centers on an Indian-American student dealing with the loss of her father.
2 Min Read
Rise with the Angels, Ephraim
On behalf of Dr Mathews Phosa, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr Ephraim Mohlakane, Special Olympics South Africa board member, athlete leader, 2-time World Games medallist, husband, father and friend.
4 Min Read
A Conversation with Loretta Claiborne About Racial Injustice
Loretta Claiborne always fought for equal rights growing up. It started as a young child and transitioned into her role as Chief Inspiration Officer for Special Olympics and as a member of the board of directors. During a time of sizable racial divide in the 1960s, she had to fight for inclusion because of her skin color, but also because she had different abilities. A fight she keeps alive to this day.
7 Min Read
Connecting Culture during a Pandemic
I interviewed a girl from Japan named Sayako. She was very nice and easy to talk to. I interviewed her on Special Olympics, the coronavirus and how it’s impacting us, and our personal interest, including Japan.
3 Min Read
Meet Steven, Role Model for Inclusion
When COVID-19 hit, Steven stepped up to the ‘front lines,’ making sure his community had everything they needed.
2 Min Read
Using Technology to Stay Connected, An Athlete’s Perspective
Why is it so hard to have to stay home when you are used to getting out and about, riding the metro, and feeling a sense of freedom? Because of COVID-19, we are staying home so that we can protect those who are vulnerable to the disease. We are all so used to being active, outgoing, human beings, by being at home, we are losing that.
3 Min Read