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.
Three Artists Win First Stage of World Winter Games Kazan 2022 Logo Design Contest
As the second and final stage of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 logo contest kicks off, three ideas proposed by the first stage winners will be used as blueprints to create the final emblem.
2 Min Read
Coach Maria Teresa is Always Learning
My journey of being the National Director of Sports for Special Olympics Brazil, a tennis coach and technical delegate coincides with my love of learning.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Unified Pair Share Advice on The Weather Channel
On 24 October, 2020, Special Olympics Unified pair and U.S. Youth Ambassadors, Steven Russel (athlete and student in Georgia) and Jordan Adeyemi (Unified partner from Georgia who attends boarding school in New Hampshire) appeared on The Weather Channel to discuss ways that students can incorporate physical movement into their days while learning remotely due the COVID-19 pandemic.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Switzerland Challenges Us to Get Active!
The Special Olympics Switzerland Challenge is a new multilingual website and activity hub where athletes can participate in digital training sessions and competitions, no matter where in the world they are!
1 Min Read
Celebrating United Nations Day
In 2020, the United Nations marks 75 years of working toward “peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.” On United Nations Day, we celebrate the UN’s work with a look at some of the Special Olympics athlete leaders, from around the world, who have spoken before UN audiences throughout the years.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Great Britain Athlete Raises Money with His Art
Special Olympics Great Britain athlete Niall Guite, a basketball gold medalist, has drawn more than 100 pictures of U.K. football (soccer) stadiums and has raised £4,298 so far by selling them.
1 Min Read
Inclusion at Work: A Discussion Between ESPN, Special Olympics Colleagues
What are the benefits of inclusion? Just ask Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President & General Manager of ESPN+, speaking here with Special Olympics athlete Daina Shilts, who’s been part of ESPN’s broadcast team covering World Games.
Inclusive Fitness for All: Meet Banele
Banele is a South Africa athlete and athlete leader who built on his basketball and athletics skills to become a coach. Then, he became decided to share his training techniques with others in his community.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Germany Football Coach Rob van Someren Brand
My name is Rob van Someren Brand, and I’m a football coach for Special Olympics Germany in Berlin.
3 Min Read
Remembering Tali
Special Olympics is mourning the passing of Tali Kornhauser, family coordinator at Special Olympics Israel. She was a guiding force and inspiration for athletes and activists, family members and Unified teammates—and everyone else—in Israel, Europe and beyond. She was a decades-long champion of inclusion through sports, the arts, and in life.
1 Min Read
Heroes in Africa Region Share the Impact of Inclusion
A series of video interviews between youth leaders in Africa Region and their personal heroes showcase the best of inclusion across society, from the sports field to the classroom, the work place and even the performance stage.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Turns Passion for Politics into Career
Born with Down syndrome, Reilly defies stereotypes every day through sport, leadership and employment, exemplifying the value people with intellectual disabilities bring to all facets of life.
5 Min Read