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!
Athletes Engage at Europe Eurasia Athlete Input Council
The group allows athletes to raise their voices, and provide guidance on the development of Special Olympics as a movement.
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Khadija Zen Al Abdeen from Mauritania, the First Female Athlete ever to be sent to Compete outside Her Home Country
The twenty-three-year-old joined Special Olympics Mauritania in 2006 and competed in table tennis at the 2018 MENA Regional Games in Abu Dhabi.
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Albania’s President Joined Special Olympics on Momentous Day
President H.E. Ilir Meta helped celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, 2018 in Tirana.
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Iraqi Athlete Aims High at MENA Regional Games
Growing up, Mohamed Kheir Allah dealt with isolation and stigma. Find out what he has learned about himself by competing.
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Ranveer Singh Saini Has Taken Long Road to Triumph
Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 years, he has been a fighter, defying the odds with Special Olympics as the catalyst!
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Jim Bernard Wins 2018 Rick VanderSloot Winter Sports Award
Jim joined Special Olympics Michigan in 1973 at just 12 years old. Learn what advice this veteran athlete offers others.
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Shooting for the Stars at NBA All-Star Weekend
Serbian Special Olympics athlete Saska Vuijicic flew to Los Angeles for the NBA Cares All-Star Weekend! Read about her adventure.
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Trial Run for Brand New Figure Skating Rules
The system, also used in the Olympics, will now be a part of Special Olympics competitions for years to come.
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Special Olympics Athletes Honored at 2017 Sport Malta Awards
Rodney Gauci and Yowanna Vassallo were among the winners at the event to recognize Malta’s leading athletes, officials and teams.
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Francesco Alipede Is Dreaming of Success in Abu Dhabi 2019
Volley Week reinforced a determination to follow his dreams - all the way to the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019!
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Kaarel Hermaküla Shows What a Difference a Year Makes
The Special Olympics Estonian athlete made his skiing debut in 2017 and is now an international competitor. Learn about his rapid rise.
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How Basketball Changed Marcello Lorandi’s Life
The Italian Special Olympics athlete’s life didn’t start out easy. Learn how basketball helped him overcome some challenges.
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