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!
Special Olympics Unified Sports Training Pays Off for Ice Dancers
The audience were treated to a beautiful display when Denis Bragin and Yekaterina Kirdyayeva took to the ice. Read about their journey.
1 Min Read
The Special Bond Behind Erika Kalin's Incredible Performance
Erika Kalin listens for one voice when she competes—her training guide Reinhart Shultz. Read about their incredible connection.
1 Min Read
We Are the Peacemakers
Our 5 million Special Olympics athletes are leading the way to a world where everyone is included—see how.
Learning Perseverance in the Mountains of Pakistan
Special Olympics athlete Parvez works as a laborer in a wheat field. That may have shaped him into the athlete he is today.
1 Min Read
Korean Athlete Finds and Shares Success Through Sports
As a child, Wonsang had problems associated with intellectual disability. Eventually, his family found sports helped him find focus.
1 Min Read
To Play Is To Learn: WASH Instruction in Kenya
“I have learned that dirty hands will make me sick.” This is what athlete Habiba Noor learned from participating in sports. Learn how.
1 Min Read
Leadership Shines in Kenya’s Microsoft Mission 3000 Athlete
Find out how John Makau has overcome an intellectual disability to lead his family, and many others too.
1 Min Read
Athlete Input Council Members Discuss Leadership
See what they have to say about what athlete leadership means to them, howe they became leaders and more.
3:21
Ahmad Hayek: Team Lebanon skier
Outsiders sometimes forget that Lebanon is a mountainous country, where summits can top 10,000 feet.
1 Min Read
Daina Shilts: The Power of Sports—and Unity
She won bronze at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games and has competed alongside her longtime role-model Hannah Teter.