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Athletes

Meet the Heroes Video Series: For Anyone Who Has Ever Been Told “No”

Everyone needs a hero. Someone they look up to and strive to be like. A person who defies all odds and is courageous in the attempt as they transcend obstacles in their way.

To many, a hero is someone they know—someone who demonstrates, every day, what it takes to live in a way that transforms others. The Special Olympics Meet the Heroes video series features Special Olympics athletes who are exactly that: heroes within their sport and community, who have become heroes to the global inclusive movement.

As you dive into Meet the Heroes, learn about the Special Olympics athletes whose stories come to life on the screen.

Witness Michal Dolinsky, a Slovakian MATP Skier, who, with the guidance of his coach, also his father, uses a sit-ski to partake in sport.

Meet the Brave Boys, a Namibian Floorball team, who gave it their all for their country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.

See the dedication of Cecelia Rodriguez, a Paraguayan 3x3 Basketball player, who overcame the exclusion of her past through the love of her sport.

Watch Madison Cyr, a Canadian Alpine Skier, who found her footing on the slopes and a joy of training thanks to her brother’s connection to Special Olympics.

These athletes have become heroes to the people around them and now the world. They are idols not just for individuals with intellectual disabilities or within the Special Olympics movement, but to anyone who has ever been told “no”, “you can’t do that”, “you’ll never be good enough”, “you don’t belong”.

Everyone has a place they belong to in Special Olympics, and with the help of our Meet the Heroes heroes, everyone can see why. They set out to do what society consistently deems impossible and show just how possible dreams can be.

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