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!
Unified Soccer: The Experience of a Lifetime
We went behind-the-scenes with a high school Unified soccer team as they trained for their biggest competition ever.
Watch the Moving 2015 Summer Games Video, "7,000 Journeys"
These are the stories of just a few of the nearly 7,000 athletes intellectual disabilities who competed in the 2015 World Summer Games.
What does it Mean to Play Unified
In the spring of 2014, I (Logan Beyer) took the court for my first Unified basketball practice through the Duke University Special Olympics.
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How Lani De Mello Defied a Doctor's Predictions
"She’s never going to achieve anything." That's what Lani's mom was told by a doctor. Watch to learn how Lani proved him (very) wrong.
Meet Ankush: From Outcast to Role Model
Golf helps Ankush practice concentration and gain respect—in India, a country where his disabilities had previously brought stigma.
Gymnastics Chose Me
Alyssa Sims says Special Olympics helped her learn to, "not think of myself as having a disability." Hear her triumphant story.
Special Olympics Athlete Profiles: Andy Miyares
Andy is a Special Olympics swimmer from the United States with a talent for public speaking.
"They Make You Feel Different—It's Fantastic"
Special Olympics transforms lives through the power and joy of sport every day around the world.
Special Olympics Athlete Profile: Svetlana Lebedeva
Left in an orphanage as an infant, Svetlana’s joy for life shows in many ways, but competing as a gymnast is where she excels.