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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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