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.
Special Olympics Wins Best Entity Award for Social Impact, Granted by Fundación MAPFRE
The award was presented to David Evangelista, President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, and Valentina García Lluch, Special Olympics Spain athlete, by Her Majesty Queen Sofía.
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Patrice: The Movie
This documentary-style romantic comedy drives the discussion of marriage equality forward, with Special Olympics New Jersey athlete Patrice Jetter behind the wheel.
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In Memory of Dikembe Mutombo
With heavy hearts, the Special Olympics global community is remembering the empowering legacy of Dikembe Mutombo, our longtime supporter and champion of rights for people with intellectual disabilities.
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Special Olympics’ Chief Health Officer on Championing Inclusive Health Care
The following is an excerpt from McKinsey Health Institute’s article, “Special Olympics’ Chief Health Officer on championing inclusive health care,” which includes an interview on Special Olympics’ extensive work to promote health equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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How Special Olympics Kickstarted the Push for Better Disability Data
The following is an excerpt from STAT News’ article, “How Special Olympics kickstarted the push for better disability data,” on Special Olympics’ continuous work to better healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities.
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PS Profiles Differences between Paralympics and Special Olympics
Writer Kristine Thomason notes the similarities between the two organizations but emphasizes the key differences and the need to use correct language when describing the work of each organization.
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Special Olympics’ Action-First Push for Inclusion Everywhere
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Program Officer Panos Vazaios reflects on the power of Special Olympics’ approach and the partnership between Special Olympics and SNF, including the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative and the Global Coalition for Inclusion.
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Getting Serious About Sustainability
The Special Olympics Environmental Sustainability Impact project, funded by the European Union (EU), is now entering its final months. By the end of this year, the team will have produced a pioneering sustainability framework that can be used across our movement and beyond.
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A New Era of Special Education Begins with Inclusive AI
The following excerpt is from Tim Shriver’s op-ed, “A New Era of Special Education Begins with Inclusive AI,” published by Time Ideas:
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Special Olympics France’s Fanélie Croizat Carries Olympic Torch for Paris 2024
Earlier this year as France ramped up to host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Fanélie was asked to carry the Olympic Torch in the city of Lyon, France near her hometown of Saint-Chamond.
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Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Latin America
In July 2024, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education and Special Olympics Argentina hosted the Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools workshop, with support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, an event aimed at introducing and expanding Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programming.
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Special Olympics Earns YouTube Silver Creator Award
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan honored Novie Craven and Special Olympics with a YouTube Silver Creator Award on Monday, 13 August, marking Special Olympics reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.