Europe Eurasia
Line Up for Inclusion on World Football Day: Special Olympics Launches Global Football Development Strategy to Grow the Game
In celebration of World Football Day today, Special Olympics has launched a new football development strategy designed to get more players with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) than ever before playing the beautiful game.
3 Min Read
More Than A Game: How Football Transformed Rubén’s Life
The Special Olympics Madrid athlete shares how sport—and the support of a dedicated coach—helped him overcome personal challenges, dramatically improving his health, well-being and relationship.
2 Min Read
“I was There from the Start!”: Celebrating 25 Years of European Football Week with André Peeters
From its inception to its future goals: Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Football Advisor, André Peeters, takes us on a 25-year-long journey following the spectacular evolution of Special Olympics Football Week in Europe.
5 Min Read
Inside the Games: Special Olympics Shapes Football Strategy
The following is an excerpt from Inside the Games’ article, “Special Olympics shapes football strategy” which discusses the power of sport and the impact inclusive sport has on football across the world.
1 Min Read
“Special Olympics was my Golden Ticket”—Anja Celebrates European Football Week 2025
Before joining Special Olympics, Anja Van Helden trained with other teams but she was always left on the sidelines on match day. Now, she is the heart of her Special Olympics Switzerland team for training sessions and matches alike—and she just loves it!
1 Min Read
No Longer on the Sidelines: Jack Healey's Journey to Special Olympics Football
Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football.
2 Min Read
“We all Deserve to be the Main Character in our Own Life”: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy
The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
2 Min Read
One for All and All for One: Team Mari
For Mari Holt, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-awaited dream come true.
1 Min Read
“Playing Badminton Taught Me About Winning and Losing and Gave Me the Motivation to Win in Life.”
Special Olympics was in the spotlight at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as Special Olympics Ireland badminton athlete Jonathan Deering delivered a keynote address focused on the power of the sport at the BWF Members’ Forum held in Xiamen, China at the end of April.
4 Min Read
Remembering Pope Francis
Special Olympics is paying tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis.
1 Min Read
Vanesa Antolín Serna: A Journey of Triumph Through Sport
Cross-country skiing athlete and proud Pau Gasol fan represented Special Olympics Spain at the World Winter Games Turin 2025
2 Min Read
Lighting the Flame Lit a Fire Within Her: Elisa Parutto’s Turin Games Journey
“In this world, I’m learning to be proud of myself and to support other people who still don’t believe in themselves.”
3 Min Read