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!
How Fitness and Health Go Hand-in-Hand: Fima on Supporting Athlete Wellness
This month, I met with Fimanekeni (Fima) Hamutenya, a Special Olympics Namibia athlete, whose experience as a Fitness Captain and Health Messenger helped him rebuild his confidence and inspired him to help his fellow athletes live healthier, more active lives.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Work to Bring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to Life
All Special Olympics athletes want is to have the same chance to prove their worth. Just like their peers, in sports and in everyday life, the inclusion of employment opportunities. Two Special Olympics athletes earned the opportunity of a lifetime: to make the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony come to life.
3 Min Read
More than a Medal: Special Olympics Jamaica Demonstrates Inclusion at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup
Standing on the sidelines of any Special Olympics Jamaica match at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, one could hear cheers from their small but mighty section of supporters, who flew halfway across the globe to cheer on their team.
2 Min Read
SO Canada Unified Co-Captains Bring Leadership and Positivity to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup
For the second time since its inception, the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup implemented Unified co-captains for each team.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Slovakia Fall Short of Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Against SO Thailand
Special Olympics Slovakia finished fourth in the Division 1 competition after a dramatic Bronze medal match ended in a 4–4 tie, with SO Thailand securing the medal with a 3–1 penalty victory.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics China’s Unified Team Proves the Game Is for Everyone
Special Olympics China faced off against SO Spain in their Division 3 semi-final match at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, suffering a 6-0 defeat.
4 Min Read
Libya Storms into the Knockout Stage with Perfect Group Record
Special Olympics Libya completed a flawless group stage at the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with an emphatic victory, following earlier wins over Ecuador and Spain.
2 Min Read
Coach Molly Underly Keeps Special Olympics USA Looking Forward
Coach Molly Underly and Special Olympics USA battled Special Olympics Namibia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a tournament that has already included a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan and a 6-0 loss to Guatemala.
3 Min Read
Young Athletes Encouraged to Play in Paris
8 July 2026. Yesterday, at the Charléty Stadium Dojo, 30 children from France with and without intellectual disabilities, participated in Young Athletes, fun motor skills courses as part of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 non-competition events.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Senegal Looks to Bounce Back After Jamaica Defeat
Team Senegal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Jamaica in their second Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 match after opening the tournament with a 6-0 victory over hosts France.
3 Min Read
Why Athlete Voices Matter in Research: David Egan on SO-Link and Inclusive Health Research
In lead-up to the launch of a new Special Olympics initiative, SO-Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities), I met with Special Olympics Virginia athlete David Egan to talk about the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in research.
2 Min Read
Born into the Game of Dreams
Team Guatemala kicked off Day 2 of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with a dominant 6–0 win over Special Olympics USA. Footballer Daroulin Ávila and her teammates were hungry for a victory—leaving no doubt on the pitch.
3 Min Read