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!
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.
2 Min Read
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 .
1 Min Read
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.
3 Min Read
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.
1 Min Read
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.
1 Min Read
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
1 Min Read
Lean, Mean, Skiing Machine
In a few short days, Nick Mills will be leaving South Dakota to embark on a trip of a lifetime.
3 Min Read
Finding the Right Fit: Why Your Environment Matters
Special Olympics Hong Kong athlete Hui Lok-yee recognized the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. The difference between the struggles she faced at a young age and the success she later found was not about effort. It was about environment.
2 Min Read
Turin 2025 Home Hope: Ugo Valentini Swaps Tennis Racket For Snowboard Boots
Multi-sports talent balances training for the Special Olympics World Winter Games with driving lessons
3 Min Read
Raja Dalis, Special Olympics Illinois Mother, Emphasizes the Power of Community
When Raja Dalis couldn't find the resources she wanted as the parent of a child with an intellectual disability, she created them, finding a new community along the way.
3 Min Read
Unified On and Off the Court: Ines and Jasmin’s Winning Floorball Connection
Special Olympics Germany Unified duo is ready to compete in the World Winter Games Turin 2025
3 Min Read
Empowering Mentors: The First SOMENA Athlete Leaders Mentors Training in Abu Dhabi
From December 16 – 17, 2024, Abu Dhabi hosted the First Special Olympics Middle East / North Africa Athlete Leaders Mentors Training.
4 Min Read