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.
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
Coach Emi’s Story
The role of a coach comes down to being a strong and supportive leader. As Special Olympics New York coaches, we do this with and for the athletes. We're taking the sport that we love and sharing it because we want to make a change in this world for the better.
2 Min Read
Hand Hygiene for All Means EVERYONE
The world changed in 2020. Isolation, fear, overloaded health systems, and food insecurity continue to plague the world through the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has especially made things difficult for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Significant health disparities have been further exacerbated for those with ID. Special Olympics Health has been working hard to address these disparities.
2 Min Read
Team Player on the Field—And Off
Michel needed a job to support his mother and younger siblings, but he had yet to develop the social and adaptive skills that are so necessary in the workplace. Among other things, he had to adapt to working and communicating with a variety of people.
1 Min Read
NFL Play 60 and Special Olympics Team Up For Inclusive Fitness
The NFL Play 60 program is designed to promote healthy lifestyles for children by getting young people physically active for 60 minutes a day. Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer and Special Olympics Supporter Will Shields recently led an NFL Play 60 virtual workout for Special Olympics athletes in Kansas City.