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Athletes

athlete lead
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!

Special Olympics Athlete Drives with His Passion, Delivers as Independent Provider

In January 2024, after five months of hard work, Antrone “Juice” Williams received his Non-Medical Independent Transportation Provider license, something he takes great pride in. To Williams’s knowledge, he is the first Special Olympics athlete to receive this certification. Through his new role, he believes he’s making a tangible impact within the disability community.
3 Min Read

MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region

The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024.
6 Min Read

Daina Shilts Reported on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for ESPN

Daina Shilts is a Special Olympics North America snowboarder who has worked with ESPN as a sport reporter at previous Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics USA Games, and other large sporting events.
1 Min Read

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Special Olympics not only uplifts and champions athletes on the field of play, but also supports athletes in their professional careers.

Patrice Jetter

With over 100 medals won from Special Olympics, Patrice Jetter is an accomplished athlete. From bocce, to bowling, cheerleading, figure skating and gymnastics, she proudly displays medals from each sport, each victory on her wall.
1 Min Read

EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN

On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.
3 Min Read

Special Olympics Jamaica Athlete Named to Global Athlete Leadership Role

Special Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan's thoughtful demeanor and strong leadership skills are large reasons he finds himself as the newly named chairperson for the Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC).
3 Min Read

From the Red Carpet to World Winter Games Turin 2025!

Elisa Parutto made one dream come true when she walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival last week with fellow athlete and accomplished actor Gabriele Di Bello. Now, she looks forward to bringing another dream to life when she competes in DanceSport at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read

Kiera Byland BEM: My Year of Advocacy and Inclusion

Kiera Byland BEM shares her journey since being elected as Global Athlete Congress Chair during the World Games in Berlin
2 Min Read

How Far Will You Go for Inclusion?

Dedicated Kenyan Athletes and Coaches Traverse Long Distances Just to Attend Weekly Trainings
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Athletes Wow the Crowds at the 2024 FIBA Open

Eleven Special Olympics teams were among over 1,000 basketball players at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, the largest 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland, on 15 and 16 June 2024.
3 Min Read

Ukrainian Teen Vlad Flourishes on the Dutch Athletics Track

Vlad Bezghinov, originally from Ukraine, competed in the 100 metres, 200 metres and shot put at the recent Special Olympics Netherlands 2024 National Games.
2 Min Read