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!
The Bond of Sisterhood
Dominika Oravcova holds up a Special Olympics Slovakia flag at the alpine skiing medal ceremony, cheering loudly for her sister, Michaela, who has just won the bronze medal.
1 Min Read
From Basketball Bonds to Floorball Finals: The Power of Friendship for Special Olympics Morocco
Special Olympics Morocco athlete Imane Bouissane and her teammates are participating in their first World Winter Games in floorball, a sport they’ve only learned in the past two years.
1 Min Read
It’s All About Teamwork, Connecting, and Communicating on the Court
Dream Team Go! It’s a mantra that can be heard ringing through the rafters before every training session and at the start of every competition for Special Olympics Mongolia’s Floorball team; the country’s first all-women’s team.
1 Min Read
A Rising Star: Uzbekistan’s Gold Medalist, Sitora Ergashova
A vision of poise and finesse, on the ice and off, Uzbekistan Figure Skater, Sitora Ergashova brings home her first gold win at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025!
3 Min Read
Ukrainian Floorball Athlete Diana Khomenko Wins on her own Terms
Ukrainian Floorball athlete, Diana Khomenko and her team proudly take home silver on Saturday, March 15, just as the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 come to a close.
3 Min Read
We Can Do It Too
With Special Olympics, everything is possible. Skiing on snow in Coral Springs, Florida, is not one of those things.
2 Min Read
Hungary’s Zsombor Bohn Wins Gold And Ventures Towards A New Dream
At 22 years old, Hungarian wunderkind Zsombor Bohn brings home double gold for the 777m and the 500m race in Division 01 of Speed Skating and bronze in the 1000m race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025!
2 Min Read
Bravery and Brotherhood: Special Olympics Jamaica’s Inspiring Journey from Wheels to Ice
Twin brothers Dale and Dave Oddman overcame numerous challenges to compete in short track speed skating at the Special Olympics World Winter Games—the least of which was training exclusively on roller blades!
2 Min Read
A Day at Inalpi Arena—Floorball Competition in Full Swing
14 March was a busy day at Inalpi Arena in Turin as the Floorball competition of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 continued.
4 Min Read
“At the End of the Race, he Wants to Keep Going!”: Slovenia’s Uroš Kotnik has a Need For Speed!
For Uroš Kotnik, a three-time gold-medalist, forward is the only way ahead.
3 Min Read
Sports At Any Age: Austria’s Gerhard Kirnbauer Races On
At 66-years-old, Austria’s Gerhard Kirnbauer is the oldest athlete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
¡Viva Inclusión! - Gonzalo Escobar Wins First Gold in Turin
On 11 March, Special Olympics Chile snowboarding athlete Gonzalo Escobar was awarded the first gold medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, competing in the Advanced Giant Slalom Snowboarding Final.
3 Min Read