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!
Doctor's Discovery Helped Athlete Avoid Ear Damage
An athlete from Belgium avoided potential catastrophic damage to his hearing thanks to the Healthy Athletes screening program.
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Delaware Unified Partner Wins Nike's 'I Am Sport' Award
Keegan Cahill has had a busy year. Learn how what he did on and off the field earned him accolades.
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Special Olympics Turkey Held Last Regional Games of the Season
On 6th June, athletes from Thrace regions competed in the Regional Games in Kırklareli.
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Tyler Lagasse Finds Many Kinds of Success Through Sports
From the golf course to chemistry classes at Middlesex Community College, the golfer has carved an impressive path.
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Multisport Star Daina Shilts Embraces Being Different
The snowboarder is an athlete leader who’s as dynamic on the speaker’s podium as she is on the slopes.
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How Michelle Canazaro's Practice Proves Her Dedication
To train for winter sports, Michelle laces up her snow boots, straps on her skis, and heads to the beach -- even in 90 degree heat.
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How Paige Harris Keeps Defying the Odds
Despite the challenges she faces, Paige is a natural athlete. It doesn’t matter what sport it is, her coaches say she excels.
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Justin "JJ" Jones Gets His Motto From His Dad
Justin has been with Special Olympics Pennsylvania for three years, competing in multiple sports, though swimming is his favorite.
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Dustin Plunkett
Dustin is an athlete leader who served as spokesman and Global Messenger for the 2015 World Games as well as a broadcaster for ESPN.
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How Andy Miyares Found Peace in the Pool
Being different never kept him out of the pool; in fact, it's what got him in the water in the first place.
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Brittany Tagliareni Defines What It Means to be Relentless
She started at 16 years old, now 27, she has discovered that focusing on her game also helps with her sensory and visual issues.
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Sebastian Joynes Found Acceptance at Special Olympics
His mother knew getting active was crucial for him, but they had trouble finding the right fit—until they found Special Olympics.
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