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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 Missouri Athlete to Pursue PGA Tour Membership Card

Thomas Cleek has been playing golf for as long as he can remember. The pairing—Cleek and golfing—was just one of those things that was meant to be.
2 Min Read

From Unknown to Top of the Podium: Detroit’s Rising Champions

Just a few miles down the road from their Detroit homes, history was made for a group of students from the Drew Transition Center.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Oklahoma Fighting Peacocks Playing for Something Larger

It is an overcast sky in the middle of September as the leaves break away from the trees, signaling the changing of seasons.
4 Min Read

Special Olympics North America Championship Wraps up Day Two of Softball Competition

On a crisp and chilly Saturday morning at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg, Virginia, Special Olympics softball teams from across the United States and Canada joined together for the 2023 Special Olympics North America Softball Championship. Teams, both traditional and Unified, started in a round-robin format.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Indiana Paves the Way with Athlete Internship Program

Part employment opportunity, part learning experience, internships are often an integral part of a person’s career development.
4 Min Read

Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes: Jamey’s Story

A Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis Athlete Leader brings together students of all abilities through Unified football.
4 Min Read

Discovering the Best Version of Myself: Jianyu’s Story 

A Special Olympics China Athlete Leader shares his personal growth story with Special Olympics
4 Min Read

2023 Brightspot Unified Golf Challenge Unites People with All Kinds of Backgrounds Through Sport

The 2023 Brightspot Unified Golf Challenge took place over 31 July – 1 August as 48 golfers descended upon Aldie, Virginia to play four 9-hole team matches over two days at The Club at Creigton Farms.
1 Min Read

Africa Region at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin, Germany

34 delegations with over 400 athletes from the Africa Region represented their Programs. Watch our highlights!

West All-Stars Win 2023 Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game

Just hours ahead of the MLS All-Stars facing off against Arsenal, both teams are focused. After all, it’s their All-Star moment: the Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game.
3 Min Read

“An Amazing Feeling”—Swimmer Wins Gold, Twice

"Nobody judges me or my disability. It's where I feel happy and can be myself."
1 Min Read

Despite Tough Competition, Teen Gymnast Earns Silver

Artistic gymnast Li Xiang of China has been competing at Special Olympics World Games since he was 11 years old.
1 Min Read