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.
Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
The following is an excerpt from the International Sports Press Association’s (AIPS) article, “Paris to host 3rd edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026” covering the announcement of Paris, France as the host of the Unified Football World Cup in 2026.
1 Min Read
Over 100 Sports Experts Convene in Cyprus for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports Conference 2025
The "Between the Games" Sports Conference focused on leveraging the Special Olympics World Games to further Sports Development for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities in Europe and Eurasia.
4 Min Read
Building Healthier, Inclusive Schools Through the Special Olympics Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle Groups in Schools Project
Learn how this EU-funded Special Olympics project has been transforming the lives of students with and without intellectual disabilities in Europe for the past three years.
2 Min Read
From Gymnastics to the Big Screen
Magnus first stepped into a gymnastics class at just six years old.
2 Min Read
Advocating, Inspiring, and Leading with Confidence
Margaret Turley, a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, recently had the opportunity to travel internationally, visiting both Brussels and New York, and she brought her passion for inclusion and health advocacy wherever she went.
1 Min Read
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Special Olympics Athletes in the Workplace
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive employment.
3 Min Read
Thrills and Triumphs at the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed) both won gold, each team bringing its own energy to the tournament.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics and UPS Extend Global Collaboration to December 2026
Renewed engagement includes a USD 310,000 grant supporting inclusive programming across five regions.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger Valentino Vergotine Speaks at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin
“We have to focus on the invisible—the invisible challenges to health services and invisible people, like me.”
3 Min Read
A Landmark Week for Inclusion: Middle East & Africa MATP Coach Training and Health Forum
From October 1 – 5, 2025, Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (SOMENA) hosted the first-ever Continental MATP Coach Training Seminar and Family Health Forum in Abu Dhabi.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Is Leading Change in Healthcare
When Melony Salla, a Special Olympics Indiana athlete, walks into a doctor’s office, she wants to be treated like what she is, the expert on her own body.
2 Min Read