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!
How a Love Story Between a 10-Year-Old Girl and Horses is Making History at the World Games
Sara Mashabek’s love of horses could be described as love at first sight.
1 Min Read
USA Equestrian Spencer Roberson Sweeps Gold at his First World Games
Spencer Roberson is an accomplished athlete and volunteer who made his international debut at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
1 Min Read
Despite Injury, Abhishek Stays on Course—and Wins Silver in the 10K!
Abhishek Gogoi said he would do his best at World Games—and he did.
1 Min Read
USA's Brittany Wins vs. Belgium's Lies Gielis
Brittany Tagliareni has won her first game of the 2019 World Games in a hard-fought match against Belgium's Lies Gielis, daughter of late European football legend Marc Gielis.
1 Min Read
‘I’m Going for the Gold, Mom’: A Jamaican Bocce Player’s Vow
Delroy Sullivan has something in common with his role-model Usain Bolt.
2 Min Read
29-Year-Old Palestinian Powerlifter Hear Fans Cheering for the First Time
For the first time in his life, he could hear the aura of a crowd. Fans from all over the world cheering him on.
1 Min Read
Venezuela Swimmer Aquiles Heredia Wins Silver
After a technical disqualification over the weekend, Aquiles Heredia rallied with a stellar effort in the breaststroke today—earning his first big win of the games, a silver medal!
1 Min Read
Hometown Hero Saleh Al Marri Aims High, Wins Gold
Saleh Al Marri set a high goal for himself—and reached it.
1 Min Read
India's Abhishek Gogoi keeps going, despite setbacks
It was a weekend of adjustment for cyclists from Bharat, as they got accustomed to the uphill/downhill raceway of the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi.
1 Min Read
Jimmy Masina, Football Official for the Abu Dhabi 2019 World Games
Jimmy Masina is an athlete leader from South Africa and works as an Office Assistant for Special Olympics Africa.
3 Min Read
Khadija of Senegal just getting started...with a silver medal in the 200m!
Khadija Sy has made a fast start in her first race of the 2019 World Games.
1 Min Read
British Cycling Star Takes Gold
British cycling star Kiera Byland won a gold medal for Team Great Britain in her opening race at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 on 16 March.
1 Min Read