In the News

On Monday, 21 July 2020, Special Olympics, Special Olympics announced the next phase of global expansion of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS)—one of the largest initiatives for inclusion in education for young people with and without intellectual disabilities—through the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Dr. Alicia Bazzano and Chief of Sport and Competition Lou Lauria were guests on Sports Byline USA’s internet radio show “Titillating Sports,” hosted by Rick Tittle.

Planning for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 is officially underway as Kazan, Russia was announced as official host city of the Games. Despite social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm about the announcement was shared virtually.

In a recent article by Glamour, Loretta Claiborne discusses using her life to teach others how to be more inclusive and empathic.

How are we creating tipping points toward inclusion across communities? What can others learn from the Special Olympics movement and our athletes? What does our return-to-play plan look like in various parts of the world?

Special Olympics athlete, Johanna Schoeneck, makes it her mission to keep those with intellectual and developmental disabilities safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

Special Olympics Board Chairman, Timothy Shriver and his daughter Kathleen get candid about social distancing, social media and the legacy left by the women in the family.

Celebrate the International Day of Yoga with Special Olympics on 21 June! Yoga is important to Special Olympics athletes around the world. It is a great way to relax before an important competition or focus before a practice.

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, join us as we celebrate World Refugee Day, which commemorates the bravery and strength of the many refugees forced to leave their homes because of persecution.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated every 19 June. This holiday commemorates the announcement in Galveston, Texas, on 19 June 1865 that all enslaved people were free and celebrates the end of slavery.

Special Olympics mourns the loss of Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, a beloved advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She was the eighth child and youngest daughter of Rose and Joseph Kennedy, sister to U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics.

Patients with intellectual disabilities already face complications in finding and getting dental treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made these challenges harder. Special Olympics Chief Health Officer shares her insights about these difficulties.