In the News
In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These news stories come from all around the world.
Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics Showcase Power of Inclusive Sport
South Africa Broadcast Corporation covered the innovative collaboration between Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics where the League hosted a Unified match up during a quarter of one of a BAL game. The following is an excerpt from the article titled BAL and Special Olympics showcase power of inclusive sport in SA:
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Loretta Claiborne Honored as Local Hero in Pennsylvania
Spotlight PA recognized Loretta Claiborne as a Local Hero for her lifetime of work and accomplishments with Special Olympics. The following is an excerpt from the article titled PA Local Heroes: The champion athlete advocating for people with disabilities:
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Special Olympics Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Frank Hayden
The Special Olympics community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Frank Hayden, a pioneering figure whose contributions to the world of sports and disability advocacy have had a profound impact on generations of athletes and families. Dr. Hayden passed away at the age of 96, leaving a legacy that has transformed countless lives.
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Special Olympics Chairman, Tim Shriver receives the 2026 Laetare Medal
Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, was the recipient of the 2026 Laetare Medal at University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2026.
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Fansided Covers Unified Sports as a Family Affair
Fansided recently covered the Special Olympics Australia women’s basketball team’s participation in the inaugural Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cupin Puerto Rico. The following is an excerpt from thearticle titled How One Family Is Changing Basketball in Australia with Unified Sports.
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Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Renew Partnership with Toyota Motor Europe to Continue Advancing Inclusion Through Unified Sports
Special Olympics and TME partner up to expand Unified sports across Europe and Eurasia through December 2027.
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Loretta Claiborne Named Special Olympics Advisor to CEO
At Special Olympics, athletes are at the core of our leadership. Their voice and example guide the movement in every way. That’s why we are thrilled to announce Loretta Claiborne as our new Senior Advisor to the CEO, Athlete Experience.
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Sports Illustrated Captured the Action at Virginia School Honored for Inclusion
On a day full of inclusion, education and sport, Sports Illustrated covered the ceremony when Bush Hill Elementary School in Alexandria, VA was named an Unified Champion School by Special Olympics.
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Now Open: Media Registration for Unified Football World Cup
Media registration for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 has officially opened.
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Special Olympics Named Finalist for 2026 Cynopsis Sports Award
Coverage of the 2026 Special Olympics 3x3 Basketball Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico has been named a finalist in the Sports Social Impact Initiative category at the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards.
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FanSided Reports on Impact of Special Olympics Coaches in the Community
The first in a series of stories from FanSided about the power and impact of Special Olympics Coaches on athletes and the community.
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Disability Scoop Reports on the Power of Unified Sports
Disability Scoop reported on how Special Olympics Unified Sports and Unified Champion Schools are benefiting students with and without intellectual disabilities.
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