Community Impact
Every day, our athletes inspire people everywhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. Learn more about the power Special Olympics has to make real change all around the world.
Cheers to Mary Davis: Reflections on a Legacy of Global Leadership and Inclusion
This episode features an inspiring conversation between host Novie Craven and Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. With nearly five decades of dedication to the movement, Mary shares her extraordinary journey, the evolution of Special Olympics and her vision for a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and athlete-centered leadership.
2 Min Read
WTA legends leave lasting impression at year-end Finals in Riyadh
Vania King, Alicia Molik, Jessica Pegula, Gabriela Dabrowski, Erin Routliffe, Iga Swiatek and Garcia joined Judy Murray to help stage the Special Olympics clinic on behalf of the WTA Foundation.
1 Min Read
Fostering Inclusive Societies through the Power of Sport
This year, the theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
1 Min Read
A New Era of Inclusion: Burkina Faso Joins Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Burkina Faso Takes Bold Step for Inclusion and Empowerment
3 Min Read
Slam Dunk for Inclusion: The First Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico
This episode spotlights the power of inclusion and the growth of Unified Sports worldwide, featuring voices from Special Olympics Puerto Rico who are shaping this groundbreaking event.
1 Min Read
Opening Doors: Advancing Inclusive Pediatric Care in Colombia
Recognized annually on 20 November, World Children’s Day brings awareness to children’s rights and welfare worldwide.
5 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 3: A Family’s Journey with Special Olympics
Claudia Peña’s journey with Special Olympics began through her daughter, Paola, but quickly became a shared family experience, one where her family not only found community, but a deeper understanding of inclusion and resilience.
3 Min Read
Champions of Inclusive Public Health: Special Olympics at APHA 2025
Members of the Special Olympics Health team attended and presented at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Washington, D.C., sharing updates and news about our ongoing Health work.
9 Min Read
Kay Center Provides Employment and Sport Opportunities to People with Intellectual Disabilities
A lifelong sports fan, Todd Youngblood came to the Kay Community Service Center, a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) located in Fort Valley, Georgia, in 1995 and was immediately put to work.
3 Min Read
Six Majors, One Message: More Than a Marathon
In this episode, Novie Craven sits down with Thomas Cantara, a Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete who has completed all six World Marathon Majors—Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York City and Tokyo.
1 Min Read
Behind the Mic: From Tennis Mishaps to Million-View Milestones
Host Novie Craven welcomes podcast producer Alex Padalino and Chris Bence to share the story behind the show’s creation, its impact and the role of partnership in building a platform for inclusion.
1 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 2: Parent Perspective
Family engagement is more than attending events—it’s about taking an active role in helping the development of Special Olympics athletes and Programs.
4 Min Read