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!
Yes, I Can
I did not speak until I was 7. According to my parents, I spoke only a few words when I was a toddler; but after that, I just stopped talking.
3 Min Read
Inclusion Works: Joshua Myers
Josh is both an athlete and athlete leader, who’s also a member of his state Special Olympics Board.
1 Min Read
Leading From the Heart: Meet Cindy
Cindy is a born leader, though that may not have been obvious at first. She was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.
1 Min Read
Leaders with a Difference
My life has come full circle. So many of the challenges I used to have, I have overcome.
5 Min Read
Leader to Leader
Special Olympics athlete leader Bobby Jones, who works at Special Olympics headquarters, asks CEO Mary Davis a few questions about the importance of inclusion in the workplace.
Inclusion at Work—Terrel Limerick
Terrel Limerick is an outstanding Special Olympics athlete who is also an outstanding employee!
2 Min Read
Importance of Unified Sports Discussed at Youth Sports Summit
Lucy Meyer, athlete and spokesperson for the Special Olympics-UNICEF USA Partnership, spoke about the incredible impact of Unified Sports during a panel discussion at the recent LA84 Youth Sports Summit.
1 Min Read
Finding My Voice in the World We Share
Give us the confidence to not just survive but thrive in life.
3 Min Read
My Internship at ESPN
Ever since I was little, my dream was to work at ESPN. I always felt most comfortable in sports competition, it was my escape, my first love and a way to prove myself.
2 Min Read
We Matter, Too
As a unified generation, let us stand together and declare that all people matter.
2 Min Read
Catherine and Claude’s Moment
Discover how Special Olympics Unified Sports created a positive change in their son’s life.
1 Min Read
Changing the World One Crosswalk at a Time
This winter, Benjamin Collins noticed something troubling on his way to work. The Special Olympics athlete and Operations Specialist at the organization’s headquarters couldn’t hear the countdown beeps and verbal cues at the crosswalks on L Streets between 18th and 19th in Washington, D.C.
2 Min Read