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 Youth Leaders Making a Global Impact
Today, on International Youth Day, Special Olympics is helping to highlight youth leaders with and without intellectual disabilities who are leading for global action today and tomorrow for a more inclusive world. August 12 was declared International Youth Day by the U.N. in 1999 to celebrate the voices and engagement of young people who are working to create change in their communities, nations and the world.
Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Youth, Lead to Include
International Youth Day recognizes youth engagement for global action. To celebrate, some young people who took part in the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Youth Leadership Summit 2020 share the impact it had on them and their vision for a more inclusive world!
My Journey in Athlete Leadership
On and off the field, Kristine Hughes is a champion of inclusion. She’s a Special Olympics athlete, an athlete leader, a certified coach, and an official. She is also the Athlete Leadership Manager and a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger for Special Olympics North Carolina.
3 Min Read
Cooking Up Inclusion with Special Olympics Youth Leaders
Special Olympics athletes are known for their athleticism, determination, and all-around inclusion. However, their skills go way beyond the fields and into places like kitchens!
1 Min Read
Play to Win. Refuse to Lose.
Winning Gold at the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Legal Intern Combines Passion and Work
Aaisha Sanaullah explains why she pursued a legal internship at Special Olympics in University of Richmond post.
1 Min Read
Coach Brian’s Story
As the Official Sponsor of Special Olympic International Sport and Coach Programming, A.J. Gallagher & Co. is committed to empowering athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to face their future with confidence through quality coaching and training experiences.
1 Min Read
The World Health Organization Europe Highlights Special Olympics Russia Athlete’s Continued Training
Special Olympics Russia athlete Katya Sazonova demonstrates the power of sport even during social distancing in a new World Health Organization Europe post.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Chief of Sport Lou Lauria Shares His Current Watchlist with Sports Business Daily
Special Olympics Chief of Sport Lou Lauria shares his binge-watching favorites.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Hosts First Online Youth Summit
On 22 and 25 June 2020, over 70, adult mentors, National Directors and international Special Olympics staff gathered for the first-ever Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Online Youth Summit.
1 Min Read
UNICEF Kenya Profiles Special Olympics Athlete to Demonstrate Success
Buxton Gitimu is the subject of a piece by UNICEF Kenya that highlights the success of UNICEF’s partnership with Special Olympics Kenya in promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles for athletes.
1 Min Read
Loretta Claiborne Shares her Life Experiences on Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy
On the podcast Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy, Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne discussed her experiences being bullied, recalled finding her voice through Special Olympics and shared her hopes for the future.
1 Min Read