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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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One Spirit. One Heart.
Special Olympics Joins the United Through Sports Virtual Youth Festival
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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.”
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From Fear to Triumph: Meet Stephanie
Through sports, Special Olympics athletes build skills and become leaders—on the field and in the community. Stephanie Handojo can tell you all about it! For Stephanie, swimming has been a great way to shatter stereotypes about the skills and stamina of people with Down syndrome. But to do this, she had to overcome many obstacles, including a huge one: her fear of water.
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Nitzeida: Working for Inclusion All Her Life
Nitzeida was 11 when her mother died and her grandmother took her in, even as some of her siblings were living in the streets of Panama City. These were rough times, but one day Nitzeida saw something that gave her hope.
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Timothy Shriver Recollects Some of His Life’s Most Impactful Moments
Life Beyond Sport podcast host Nick Keller recently asked Special Olympics Board of Director Chairman Timothy Shriver, Ph.D about the three most transformative sports moments of his life.
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