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.
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Rockie Zhao
Rockie began playing Unified Sports with a friend. This small action eventually became a regular part of her life and eventually into a passion she pursued.
2 Min Read
The Michael Phelps Foundation and Special Olympics Transforming the World of Swim
As Special Olympics and the Michael Phelps Foundation continue their partnership, the future of swimming for athletes with intellectual disabilities looks brighter than ever.
3 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Sammy’s Journey
Sammy’s childhood is a familiar story for many children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who grow up in environments where differences are misunderstood and punished.
2 Min Read
Innovation Grant: Inclusion Beyond Sports
Inclusion Beyond Sports is changing how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are seen and integrated into society.
2 Min Read
Trinidad & Tobago Embraces Vision for Inclusive Education Through Sports
Caribbean nation becomes second in the region to join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion at Opening Ceremony of Unified Beach Games
2 Min Read
Trinidad & Tobago Makes History with First Special Olympics Regional Beach Games
Trinidad & Tobago played host to the first-ever Special Olympics Regional Beach Games. This pioneering event drew 130 athletes, 70 coaches, and delegates from Special Olympics Programs across the Caribbean to compete in a variety of beach sports.
3 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: A Mother of Three Special Olympics Athletes
Gissela is a devoted mother of three daughters with intellectual disabilities. Follow her story of balancing her role as their caregiver, coach, and provider.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces the 2024 – 2025 Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrant Awardees
Ten organizations have been selected as recipients of the 2024 – 2025 Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrant. Together, their reach spans the health ecosystem, and their exciting projects stand to improve health access for people with IDD!
4 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: YangLingZi School Championing Inclusion
In the heart of its region, YangLingZi School serves as a model of Unified Champion Schools, a place where students of all abilities come together to learn, play, and grow side by side.
4 Min Read
Disability Employment Awareness—It’s More Than a Month
Hosts Josh Basile and Novie Craven are joined by David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica athlete and Global Athlete Leadership Council member, who contributes his perspective as an employee of Special Olympics Jamaica.
1 Min Read
Aspen DeField Takes Lifelong Sports Lessons and Implements Them into Special Olympics
Since 2007, Aspen DeField has coached Special Olympics athletes in a variety of sports, showing incredible dedication to advancing the mission of inclusion through sport.
4 Min Read
Oman Hosts Its First-Ever Regional Train-the-Trainer Event: A Groundbreaking Milestone in Healthcare Development
15 trainees from Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, and Bahrain were brought together for an intensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
3 Min Read