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!
Xu Xiujuan: The Extraordinary Story Behind a Radiant Smile
Xu Xiujuan has an extraordinary story to share. Those who meet her are often captivated by her bright eyes and cheerful demeanor, even though her life has been filled with challenges and marked by perseverance.
2 Min Read
TV Star, Photographer, Dancer and Athlete: The Many Talents of Anca Miron
Star of a reality show and featured in ELLE Romania magazine, the Special Olympics athlete now takes on Turin 2025
3 Min Read
‘It Means a Lot’—Team Kenya Trains Hard to Compete at World Winter Games
For athletes on Kenya’s floorball team, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy is an honor they take very seriously.
2 Min Read
Elisa Parutto: Dancing with passion and determination
Through dance, Special Olympics Italia athlete Elisa Parutto transforms her emotions into movement. All she needs is to close her eyes and immerse herself in the choreography, allowing herself to be carried away by the intensity of the music and the rhythm of the song.
7 Min Read
Utah’s Unified Team Sees Growth at NIRSA Tournament, While Siblings Share Meaningful Moment
During the NIRSA Flag Football Championship, the University of Utah demonstrated excellent growth in its Unified flag football team and showed off two pairs of siblings deeply committed to inclusion.
5 Min Read
Lukas Hämmerli and Victoria Kälin Dancing Their Way to Turin 2025
From schoolmates to dance partners, the Swiss duo is set to represent their country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy.
3 Min Read
‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ Campaign Launches Ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
Initiative to highlight achievements of eight European athletes, each competing in one of the eight sports featured in Turin 2025
2 Min Read
Stephanie Gott Returns to Italy, the Country That Gave Her a Second Chance at Life
Special Olympics Great Britain figure skater is set to compete at the World Winter Games in Italia, the birthplace of the surgeon who saved her life at 10 days old
2 Min Read
Athlete Leaders of Europe Eurasia: Our 2024 Highlights!
As the year draws to a close, four Athlete Leaders from across our region, Kiera, Margaret, Gilmour and Inge reflect on their highlights from 2024 and look forward to the year to come!
3 Min Read
“Our Presence is a Change for the Better”: Special Olympics Athletes Journey into Public Service
Malta’s Gilmour Borg and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edna Šunjić have achieved success on the Special Olympics stage and are now using their talents to bring about broader change in society.
5 Min Read
Unstoppable Determination: One Athlete's Journey of Passion and Love for Sport
Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.
Martim's Football Journey with Special Olympics and Sporting Clube de Portugal
Martim Maia is a Special Olympics Portugal athlete whose life changed when he discovered his love of football. Discover Martim's journey and the perspectives of those around him in this feature video, supported by UEFA.