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.
Proving Abilities, Shattering Low Expectations: Meet Youssef
Youssef saw his friends beaten and bullied, then he was beaten and bullied—all because they have intellectual disabilities. Instead of giving up, he became determined to show the world that people with ID can do anything “if only we are given the chance.”
2 Min Read
Take Care of Yourself and Your Mental Health—World Mental Health Day
“Take care of yourself and move forward” has been Joe Wu’s motto during these last few months. No longer able to compete and to practice on a regular basis, Wu—like so many others—has turned to virtual ways to connect and uplift those around him.
2 Min Read
Welcome to My World with Ben Collins, Special Olympics Athlete and Operations Specialist
Special Olympics Operations Specialist Ben Collins Talks with Dr. Andreas Heinecke, founder of Dialogue in the Dark, on World Sight Day 2020
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Discusses Supporting Athletes on Canada Talks SiriusXM
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Alicia Bazzano MD, PhD, MPH was a recent guest on the Ben & Bilal Show that airs on Canada Talks SiriusXM 167. They discussed the training, fitness and emotional support available virtually to athletes due to physical distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Publishes New Book
David Egan has written about his life and unique perspective in a book titled More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome.
1 Min Read
Coach Roberto Hernandez Celebrates 25 Years
When you talk to Coach Roberto about coaching for Special Olympics New Jersey now, he still has passion in his voice, the same passion he exudes when he talks about his family.
2 Min Read
Prevent Flu and Get a Flu Vaccine: What You Need to Know
(Updated on 10/24/2023) Getting a flu vaccine every year is important to keep yourself safe from catching the flu. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of getting the flu, many of whom are also at high risk for COVID-19.
14 Min Read
WWE Star Big Show Gives Shout Outs to Athletes in Sports Illustrated Interview
Sport Illustrated recently featured an article about how WWE Superstar Big Show, a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, is supporting athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Novie Craven and Bobby Jones, two Special Olympics athletes and staff members at Special Olympics International Headquarters, offered insights into their interaction with Big Show over the years.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Goes Above and Beyond With the FBI
Kevin Brown has overcome just about every obstacle put in front of him. He’s never let failure or people giving him a hard time stop him from doing what he loves. But most of all, he puts others first, leads by example and goes above and beyond, even in these uncertain times.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Programs Throughout North America Pivot to Host Virtual Summer Games
All Special Olympics Programs are experiencing a new kind of normal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing all to go virtual this year.
6 Min Read
One Spirit. One Heart.
Special Olympics Joins the United Through Sports Virtual Youth Festival
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Hanna Joy Atkinson Shares Her Story on Today Show
Hanna Joy Atkinson, a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger and athlete from Colorado, recently appeared on Today with Hoda & Jenna to talk about the inspiration behind her contribution to the new book “Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community.”
1 Min Read