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.
Football For All: Special Olympics and UEFA Mark 26 Years of Partnership at UEFA Fan Festivals Across Europe
Football stands as one of the most beloved team sports among Special Olympics athletes across Europe and Eurasia, and UEFA’s support has been instrumental in elevating these opportunities ever since the establishment of our partnership in 1999.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Africa Region Uses Education to Expand Inclusive Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics is spotlighting the importance of sport and education in the Special Olympics Africa Region as it creates opportunities for those with and without intellectual disabilities to experience the benefits of sport as it pertains to health, well-being, and fitness.
3 Min Read
Mandela Day: Honoring a Legacy of Inclusion through Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics celebrates the power of partnership and sport to drive lasting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
2 Min Read
Sports Business Journal: Special Olympics Names New President & CEO
The following is an excerpt from Sport Business Journal’s article, “Special Olympics names new president & CEO” announcing David Evangelista, the current President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, as the new Special Olympics International President and CEO beginning 1 January 2026.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces David Evangelista as New Chief Executive Officer
The following is an excerpt from the press release, “Special Olympics Announces David Evangelista as New Chief Executive Officer” detailing the appointment of David Evangelista as Special Olympics International’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective 1 January 2026.
2 Min Read
A Family That Speaks Up
At the heart of Abdel Rahman’s support system is Shahd, Abdel Rahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant more than just growing up together; it meant standing up for him.
3 Min Read
Mission: Inclusion—Lions Clubs International Champions Global Service and Unity
On this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio Season 7—proudly sponsored by Lions Clubs International Foundation—host Novie Craven sits down in-studio with a leader whose passion for inclusion matches his decades-long dedication to global service.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and the European Canoe Association (Paddle Europe) Sign Historic Partnership Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today will see both organisations working even more closely together to bring the joy of inclusive paddle sport to athletes with intellectual disabilities across the region.
1 Min Read
Tender Hearts
When Su Anne Lee was younger, she was quiet, timid, even.But today, she greets customers at a bustling café, shares her story with others, and speaks on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities across Malaysia.
3 Min Read
Latin America’s Jump in Badminton Gears Up for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
This year, the Badminton World Federation is celebrating World Badminton Day with the theme of “Raise A Racquet—Play, Learn, Celebrate!" and Special Olympics is joining in.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and European Aquatics Announce Groundbreaking Partnership
Organizations to bring the joy of aquatics to athletes with intellectual disabilities through structured collaboration and inclusive sport development.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Showcases Inclusion and Innovation at AAIDD 2025
Members of the Special Olympics International Health and Unified Champion Schools (UCS) teams attended and presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Conference from 23 – 25 June 2025.
8 Min Read