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!
Snowboarder Earns First Medal of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Gonzalo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
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Everyone Belongs in Sport: MATP Skiers Take to the Slopes in Powerful Sport Demonstration
Yesterday marks a historic day for the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) when the first-ever MATP Demonstration took place at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
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Leveling the Field: Ugandan Youth Leading Change Through Soccer and Basketball
Their shared love of soccer has brought them not only friendship but also a powerful mission: to unite children with and without intellectual disabilities through sports—and to fight bullying in their community.
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Inspiring The Next Generation
For Special Olympics athlete, Veronica Diaz Rainieri, anything and everything is possible for everyone. A two-sport athlete in swimming and skiing, Diaz Rainieri is an inspiration for the youth in her native country of the Dominican Republic.
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Let the Games Begin!
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 is underway! More than 1500 athletes have travelled to Turin, Italy from all over the globe. The Opening Ceremonies were incredible and highlighted impactful speeches, electric performances, and the unifying power of Special Olympics.
World Winter Games Turin 2025 Photo of the Day
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 is brimming with intense competition, inspiring stories, and heartfelt emotions. Dive into the spirit of these Games with our daily photo updates, capturing the essence of this extraordinary event.
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Brayan Rojas Rodriguez: A Legacy Lived
To create a legacy is to defy the limitations imposed by time. Special Olympics World Games defines limitless, permanentizing each victory, each friendship, each celebration.
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Powered by Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, Special Olympics Canada Athlete Alexander Pang Soars into his Fourth World Games
Special Olympics Canada athlete Alexander Pang improved his figure skating performance with customized orthotic skate inserts after attending the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Fit Feet .
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Igniting the Spirit: Athletes Share their Journeys to Turin 2025
As excitement builds, we will highlight eight phenomenal athletes who will represent their nations in Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their journeys of passion and dedication reflecting the transformative impact of sport.
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Pursuing Dreams with Tony & Team Egypt
From Giza to Turin, Antoine Magued Samir Saad is chasing his dream with unwavering determination! At 23 years old, Antoine—also known as Tony—has proven that passion and perseverance can break all barriers.
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From Isolation to Confidence: Riya Trains for World Winter Games
Riya, a Special Olympics athlete from Bharat, says she used to be alone and lonely. Now she’s part of a talented team that’s heading to the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy—and her life is full of confidence, camaraderie and hope.
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From Athlete to High Priestess: The Story of Ilianna Simeonidi
Special Olympics rhythmic gymnast illuminates path to inclusion ahead of World Summer and Winter Games
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