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!
‘Don’t be frightened and go for every shot!’
Competing against the best players in the world on one of the most iconic tennis courts was a major highlight for a group of Special Olympics tennis players selected to compete at the Players with Intellectual Impairments Championship at the recent Australian Open.
2 Min Read
Basketball Players On Unified Teams Swap Skills, ‘Learn Love’
Unified partners recount how they started playing with their teams and the friendships they formed along the way.
3 Min Read
Celebrating Dreams and Dedication: Sitthiphon Phisajarn
Sitthiphon Phisajarn‘s story of perseverance, passion, and determination to be able to compete alongside, and against, his twin brother at World Games Berlin 2023.
2 Min Read
One Boy, One Village at a Time
Witness Aaron Banda's journey from being chained to becoming a valued part of his family and community.
1 Min Read
Athlete or Artist? Dea Çaushi Can Do It All
Albania’s multi-talent does not need to choose between scoring three-pointers and playing Vivaldi. She embraces and excels in both equally.
3 Min Read
Serving Up Inclusion at the Australian Open 2024
At the Australian Open 2024, players of differing abilities will soon take to the courts to compete at the second edition of the Players with Intellectual Impairments (PWII) Championship.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Reflect on Berlin 2023’s Legacy
EU-supported video series dives into life-changing experiences of Special Olympics athletes at the World Games 2023
1 Min Read
New Members of Regional Athlete Leadership Council Elected
Six individuals to represent Special Olympics Europe Eurasia athletes from 2024 to 2027
2 Min Read
Gaming for Inclusion Covered by Microsoft Unlocked
The Special Olympics and Microsoft join Gaming For Inclusion tournament was covered by Microsoft Unlocked in an article titled Casting Confidence.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Tennis Player Lily Mills selected for Australian Open Persons with Intellectual Impairment Championships
Three-time Special Olympics (SO) World Games gold medalist, Lily Mills, has been selected as a wildcard for the Australian Open Persons with Intellectual Impairment Championships.
2 Min Read
Basketball in Iceland: From Lay Ups to Lifelong Friendships That Turned into Family
In a small country with a population of less than 400,000 people, there is a family with 32 children. They hang out together, hold pizza parties, chat, laugh, but most of all, they play basketball.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics British Columbia Athlete Making Difference Within Community
“I got involved with Special Olympics when I was in school and I was put down all my life. So, I found out about Special Olympics and how they accepted people and how we get the opportunity to compete.”
3 Min Read