Stories
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.
Juneteenth 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a national holiday on 17 June, 2021. Celebrated on June 19th of each year, it commemorates the time when slaves in Texas learned they had gained freedom two years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation issued during the Civil War. Historically, the day has been recognized by African Americans as the moment that slavery was fully abolished.
1 Min Read
Justin & Caraline’s Story
Justin and Caraline met through Special Olympics New York Coach Brian Tenety’s Unified basketball team in high school. Today, they carry on his legacy of inclusion as teammates and friends—on and off the court.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Breaks Employment Barriers in Romania!
Oana Rotar, a 29-year-old athlete with Special Olympics Romania, made history earlier this year when she became the first woman with Down syndrome to be employed in the country’s public administration.
2 Min Read
Athletes Lead Ahead of 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
As the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games came to an end, all in attendance gathered to celebrate a week of sports and inclusion at the Closing Ceremony. Over the loudspeakers and displayed on the jumbotron, the announcement that the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games would be held in Orlando, FL was made. A sense of excitement could be felt throughout the entire venue.
5 Min Read
From Special Olympics to the LGBTQ+ Community: We are more alike than different
Special Olympics celebrates the value of inclusion alongside the LGBTQ+ community.
1 Min Read
CDC and Special Olympics Partnership: Inclusive Health: Physical Fitness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support work that improves the overall health and quality of life for people living with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
Opening Eyes and Essilor Vision Foundation Focus on Inclusion Health
Essilor Vision Foundation recently interviewed David Evangelista, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
1 Min Read
Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Special Olympics Mauritius Athlete Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee
Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Special Olympics Mauritius Athlete Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee
1 Min Read
Play Unified: Learn Unified's Transformative Global Impact
Over the last three years, the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative has helped create nearly 2,000 new Unified Schools in 14 Programs, driving inclusion for youth with and without intellectual disabilities around the world.
Full Steam Ahead for Special Olympics Invitational Games Malta 2022
The Government of Malta has officially signed its commitment to host the Special Olympics Invitational Games Malta 2022, an event which will see over 450 athletes from across Europe and beyond gather to compete in various sports next year.
1 Min Read
Unified Television Cast Talks about the Power of Sport in Power Rangers Dino Fury Episode
Special Olympics guest star and co-star of Power Rangers Dino Fury talk about inclusion in new videos.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Coach Amber Radford Gets Creative During Pandemic to Keep Athletes Active
Amber Radford, a Special Olympics North Carolina coach, shares how the impact she has on all the athletes affects her. She details her start with the movement.
5 Min Read