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!
Australia’s Unified 3x3 Team Shows Heart and Hustle
At the 3x3 Basketball World Cup in San Juan, team Australia has been turning heads with its combination of speed, skill, and teamwork—aided by player Jordan McCormick, bringing passion and infectious enthusiasm to every play.
2 Min Read
Unity on the Half-Court: Saudi Arabia’s Journey Unfolds in San Juan
Special Olympics Saudi Arabia entered the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup with a mission grounded in competitive drive.
1 Min Read
Fast Break Rising: Chilean Brothers Surge into San Juan’s 3x3 Showdown
Brothers at the Heart of Chile’s 3x3 Goal
3 Min Read
Yo soy Boricua, Pa´que tú lo sepas
Frances Ocasio, 19-year-old Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete is proudly representing her island, the host country, at the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup. Today she is confident, focused, and determined, but her path to the team was not easy.
1 Min Read
Jamaican Player Debuts on the Global Stage at the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
At just 19 years old, Jamaican born 3x3 Basketball player Makayla Williams is already showing the world what determination looks like. She joined her Special Olympics program two years ago, driven by her love for basketball and the joy of competing alongside her teammates.
1 Min Read
‘Basketball was our Language’—Brother and Sister Star in the World’s First International Unified Basketball Camp
Mer and Amira were among 40 Special Olympics players and Unified Partners from Finland, Bulgaria and Lithuania taking part.
3 Min Read
Life-changing Benefits of Basketball with Special Olympics Hellas and Panathinaikos AKTOR
“Basketball has changed my life and I am proud to be a part of this family.”
2 Min Read
Healthy Athletes and Home Runs: Bringing Health and Sports Together at SONA Softball Championship
Imagine being an athlete ready to compete at the highest level, but you're distracted by a throbbing mouth from tooth pain.
3 Min Read
Using Basketball to Overcome the Exclusion of her Past: Cecilia Gonzalez
Meet Cecilia Gonzalez, a basketball player with Special Olympics Paraguay, whose life is now unrecognizable after she discovered her love for basketball and competing with Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics North America Programs Highlight Healthy Athletes Screenings
Competing in sports at your highest potential requires more than just hard work and determination.
3 Min Read
Shared Dreams, One Goal: Serbia’s Unified Volleyball Teams Make Their Mark in Poland
Two Serbian athletes—separated by age but united by the game—proudly represented their country.
6 Min Read
Bronze Victory for Krystian Fąfara and Team Poland!
The arena in Katowice roared as Team Poland clinched bronze on home soil, defeating Iraq in the duel for third place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
4 Min Read