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!
Sureka Gammeddage Is No Stranger to Obstacles
From training without shoes to using broomsticks in floorball practice, she knows what it means to persevere.
1 Min Read
Behind the Scenes at 2017 World Winter Games
Ever wonder what it's like for athletes at Special Olympics World Games? See the 2017 World Games in Austria from their eyes.
How Sam Muir-James Conquered Lake Taupo
The Special Olympics New Zealand athlete powered through an amazing 40.5km swim from Taupo to Turangi.
1 Min Read
Dancer Robert Wallop's Performance Draws Standing Ovation
Robert won back to back gold medals at the 2015 Summer Games in Los Angeles and the 2017 World Winter Games in Graz, Austria.
1 Min Read
How Africa's Athlete Official Was Part of a Record
Nhlanhla “Jimmy” Masina officiated in a game that saw something that had never happened before in Special Olympics history.
1 Min Read
Twins Awed By Athletes at World Winter Games 2017
Duncan and Cedric followed their sister Victoria to World Games 2017, and they couldn't stop raving about the athletes.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Jeremy Beckham's Bold Moves Pay Off
Learn what he asked a three-time Grammy Award winner to do for his girlfriend—and why he got so much well deserved attention.
1 Min Read
Youngest Member of Bangladesh Team Takes Silver
Learn just how far Mohammad Junaet Islam has come since coaches first met him two years ago.
1 Min Read
United Arab Emirates Athletes Star in the Snow
You might not consider a snow sport story for a team from United Arab Emirates, but four awesome athletes proved that theory wrong.
1 Min Read
Daina Shilts's Performance Shows the Power of Inclusion
Her Super G run in Snowboarding at Special Olympics World Games in Austria wowed fans. Learn what helped her get there.
2 Min Read
Gold Medal Snowboarder Andre Berg Takes Life in Stride
Andre Berg won gold in Snowboarding Super G 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Learn how an accident spurred him to compete.
1 Min Read
Lisa Menichino's (Big) Source of Support Fueled Win
Family support is important for a Special Olympics athlete. It builds confidence and can provide security to try new things.
1 Min Read