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.
Teacher Resources: Four Free Lesson Plans for Exploring Acceptance, Respect, and Inclusion
Classroom and Distance Learning Activities for Middle School and High School Students
2 Min Read
360 Coaching with Cindy Schopper
I’ve been a Special Olympics North Dakota coach for 32 years. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to coach athletes in snowshoe, cross-country skiing, bowling, basketball, volleyball, powerlifting, swimming, soccer (football) and athletics.
3 Min Read
Mother and Son Coaching Pair Leave Lasting Legacy
Special Olympics Chinese Taipei athlete Michael Fan inspired his mother Angela Huang to become an open water swimmer and coach.
2 Min Read
Italian Football Stars show their support for European Football Week!
Former Juventus stars David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero showed their support for the athletes of Special Olympics and our work with refugees by joining recent Special Olympics European Football Week activities!
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Leader becomes first person with Intellectual Disabilities to enroll in University in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Njegoš Mihajlović, athlete leader and Special Olympics medallist has become the first person with intellectual disabilities to enrol in a University in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
1 Min Read
Thank You For Your Service
In the beginning of 2008, after attending two years of college, I felt a strong pull towards the military. I was a respectable student, but I wanted to experience something more than what my school could offer. I needed to be a part of something that was bigger than myself and ultimately push me to be a better individual. In July of 2008, I enlisted in the United States Army as part of the Military Police. I completed Basic Combat Training and One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There, I learned how to be a soldier.
2 Min Read
Coaching Sports and Life Skills
Moeti Clement Sethunya takes a well-rounded approached to coaching football (soccer) and floor hockey at Special Olympics South Africa using it as a building block to athlete employment.
1 Min Read
Chris Nikic Shatters Stereotypes to Become First Person with Down Syndrome to Complete an IRONMAN
Sixteen hours and 46 minutes later, as the nighttime darkness settled in, Chris crossed the finish line and made history of as the first person with Down syndrome to finish a full IRONMAN race.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Ashley Adie Finds a Sense of Belonging; Both in Sport and the Workplace
In 2004, 14-year old Ashley Adie experienced true inclusion for the first time. During a Special Olympics British Columbia Regional swim meet, Adie would enjoy the competition, but she found something much more than the ribbons and personal bests that day.
3 Min Read
Strong Minds for Strange Times
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Abby Resnick could no longer participate in competitions, coach floor hockey, and teach drum and tone for people with special needs. She started to look for new activities to do at home.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Recurring Segment on the Ben and Bilal Show on Canada Talks/SiriusXM
Tune-in to the Ben and Bilal Show on Canada Talks 167/SiriusXM every Wednesday at 5:30pm for the recurring Special Olympics segment to explore how the people, events and programs make the movement so powerfully inclusive. They will talk to Special Olympics athletes, celebrity Ambassadors and supporters, staff and more!
1 Min Read
“To me, Life Means Badminton and Special Olympics”
In my role as a Special Olympics coach, Special Olympics Iran athletes taught me about the pivotal role that the Special Olympics athletes play in society.
3 Min Read