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!
They’ve Been There. They Want to Change It.
Eleven Projects that Could Change Special Olympics from the Ground Up
5 Min Read
Trained, Transformed, Impatient
Athlete leaders attending the 2026 SONA Regional Athlete Congress explain why they are done merely talking; they are ready to get to work.
8 Min Read
Nothing About Us Without Us: A Call for Inclusive Health at the 79th World Health Assembly
At the 2026 World Health Assembly, Pearl Lüthy, Special Olympics Switzerland athlete and World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 Athlete Ambassador called on health care workers around the world to improve communication and advance inclusive health policies and practices.
4 Min Read
A Great Athlete is a Healthy Athlete: Muaz’s Journey to Becoming a Fitness Captain
Every May, Special Olympics celebrates Fitness and Sport Month, recognizing the power of sport to support athlete health, fitness, and performance. To celebrate, I met with Special Olympics Pakistan athlete and Fitness Captain Muaz Khan to learn about his journey to becoming a Fitness Captain.
2 Min Read
Athlete Officials Set the Standard at Upcoming USA Games
For one week in June, Special Olympics athletes from across the United States will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. While the athletes will get most of the spotlight, and rightfully so, for their athletic achievements, there’s another distinct group of indivdiuals with intellectual disabilities coming to the USA Games.
4 Min Read
Slovakia Set to Host 5th Annual Special Olympics European Triathlon Competition
Jolein's feet burned as they struck the pavement. She'd lost count of the number of steps she'd taken, as all that repeated in her mind was 'the cycling is done, it’s almost over – just a bit of running left, and my coach will be waiting proudly at the finish line.'
3 Min Read
From Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Backyard to the National Stage: Tim Gowen’s Life in Special Olympics
Only a handful of Special Olympics athletes have had the opportunity to meet the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Even fewer athletes had the opportunity to compete in her backyard the year before Special Olympics even began. Luckily, for Tim Gowen, he was able to do both.
3 Min Read
Insights from Focusing on the Invisible: David’s Perspective on Inclusive Health Research
In recognition of World Health Day earlier this month, Renee Dease met with David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica Health Messenger and Chairman of Special Olympics International Global Athlete Leadership Council.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Leader Ben Haack Publishes Book to Help Parents with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Ben Haack is a renaissance man. He’s a Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Australia (including several board assignments), a football (soccer) player and now, he’s added the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments.
3 Min Read
German-Born Stefanie Curtis Prepares to Compete at Special Olympics USA Games
Stefanie Curtis had a different path to Special Olympics. Growing up in Berlin, Germany, there was no local programming for Special Olympics, so she found other ways to stay active as an adolescent.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Advocate on Capitol Hill
From February 9 – 10, in Washington, D.C., Special Olympics athletes from 49 U.S. Programs attended more than 365 meetings with their members of Congress, advocating for continued partnership to support the organization’s work in health and education.
3 Min Read
From Rural Iceland to the Special Olympics World Games Stage
Meet powerlifter Aegir Ólafsson, whose life has been shaped by his passion for strength, sport, and competition.
1 Min Read