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!
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
A Girl's First Love
The all-consuming nature of a first love may be too much for some people. But for others, it becomes a part of their soul, their identity.
1 Min Read
Girl, You Got This!
When 19-year-old alpine skier and Special Olympics athlete Madison Cyr is gliding down the slopes her motivational saying “Girl, You Got This” keeps her going.
1 Min Read
Friendship Turned Leadership: How Youth Leaders are Shaping an Inclusive Future
For Louis Kleemeyer and Tim Pietrowski from Germany, being part of the Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Council has been nothing short of life-changing.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Korea Soars on the Snow and the Ice
A mix of talent, youth, and personal triumph constitute an exemplary team of athletes. And they’re winning big!
2 Min Read
Victory on Court 3: The Bomber Leads Italy to Glory
The Division B Unified floorball match on Court 3 was a thrilling showdown between Special Olympics Italy and Special Olympics Germany.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Marcel Schilling Wins Double Silver on the Slopes
Marcel Schilling, a charismatic 34-year-old snowboarder from Thurgau, Switzerland, has kicked off his Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 experience in style.
4 Min Read
From a Training on a Volcano to the Competing in the Alps: Special Olympics Costa Rica Athletes Excel in Snowshoeing
With no snow in Costa Rica, snowshoeing athletes Ashly Sanchez Ledezma and Emily Salguero Mata got creative with their training by practicing on a volcano.
2 Min Read