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We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
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Stories

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These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
A boy falls over a football on an outdoor field while 5 boys run towards him, 2 from his team and 3 from the other team. Everyone wears Special Olympics jerseys. There are palm trees lining the field.
Community Impact

Promoting Friendship and Understanding: The Story of Loau, a Peer Partner

During the pandemic, Special Olympics Chile coordinated with Chile's National Ministry of Education to create a virtual physical education curriculum for students of all abilities.
1 Min Read
A man wearing a hat stands in front of Special Olympics banner, speaking into a microphone and looking at the camera.
Community Impact

Finding the Essence of Unified: The Story of Deogratis, a Teacher

Deogratis, a physical education teacher in Tanzania, uses Unified Sports to spread inclusion in his school community.
2 Min Read
In a crowded gym, two girls guide the hands of another girl in a wheel chair, as she places a Velcro ball onto a target.
Community Impact

Raising the Bar for Inclusive Youth Leadership: The Story of Doukas School

Outside Athens, Greece, a yearly, student-run MATP event brings together private school students and local youth with disabilities.
2 Min Read
Five youth perform a jumping jack, with arms outstretched in the air. They are all different heights and abilities, one has a wheelchair. They all wear masks and Special Olympics shirts.
Community Impact

Propelling “Activa Mente”: The Story of Special Olympics Chile

During the pandemic, Special Olympics Chile coordinated with Chile's National Ministry of Education to create a virtual physical education curriculum for students of all abilities.
2 Min Read
A man, smiling in a suit with official patches on it, sits at a desk in front of a Mexican flag and next to an AMEXCO plaque.
Community Impact

Partnering on Behalf of Disability Inclusion: The Story of AMEXCO, an Organizational Partner

Special Olympics Mexico has partnered with AMEXCO, a Mexican education organization, to train teachers across the country in inclusive education practices.
1 Min Read
a selfie of a young-adult man smiling in a white Stavros Niarchos Foundation shirt, holding a hand-drawn sign that reads “SNF, Stay Home, Special Olympics”
Community Impact

Creating a Strong Virtual Network: The Story of Nemanja, a Youth Leader

During the pandemic, online networks helped Special Olympics Serbia Youth Leaders stay connected and spread the movement for inclusion.
1 Min Read
A teenage boy sits at a desk with his peer, smiling at the camera. He holds a pen in his hand, touching a notebook on his desk. There room is full of youth and adults at desks in the background.
Community Impact

Advocating Inclusion: The Story of Sahil and His Mother

Sahil's mother has watched her son Sahil, who has Down Syndrome, grow into a confident and social Youth Leader since Play Unified: Learn Unified was introduced to his school.
2 Min Read
A group of seven people, wearing face masks and bundled up for the cold, stand together in a park. There are six young men and women, and one adult.
Community Impact

Bonding through Walk and Talks: The Story of Morocco

Special Olympics Morocco is meshing inclusion efforts with Moroccan culture through weekly "Walk and Talks" with athletes and Unified partners.
2 Min Read
A girl around 14 years old stands inside at school, wearing school clothes. She smiles and gives peace signs with both hands.
Community Impact

Changing Views of Self and Others: The Story of Shiyu, a Youth Leader

Special Olympics China Athlete and Youth Leader Shiyu reflects on the impact of Unified Sports on her life.
3 Min Read
A teenage girl jumps to take a basketball shot as a teenage boy jumps in front of her to block it, while a few teammates and coaches look on. They are on an indoor basketball court with Special Olympics and Stavros Niarchos Foundation banners.
Community Impact

Hosting the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games: The Story of the City of Kazan

Play Unified: Learn Unified sustains momentum in Russia as Kazan prepares to host the World Winter Games in January 2022.
1 Min Read
Doctor warms up for practice after school.
Community Impact

Thriving in a Refugee Camp: The Story of Doctor, an Athlete

Doctor, an athlete in Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp, has grown as a teammate, leader, and friend thanks to the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative.
3 Min Read
Chris Nikic standing in front of a pool in Special Olympics Training gear
In the News

Vote - Chris Nikic Nominated For 2021 Espy Awards: Best Athlete With A Disability, Men's Sports

Chris Nikic has been nominated for an ESPY for Best Athlete With A Disability, Men's Sports.
1 Min Read
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