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.
Trailblazing Special Olympics Slovakia Athletes Launch Declaration of Inclusion
Special Olympics Slovakia has recently launched a new campaign to raise awareness about discrimination against athletes with intellectual disabilities in their country.
2 Min Read
A Conversation with Loretta Claiborne About Racial Injustice
Loretta Claiborne always fought for equal rights growing up. It started as a young child and transitioned into her role as Chief Inspiration Officer for Special Olympics and as a member of the board of directors. During a time of sizable racial divide in the 1960s, she had to fight for inclusion because of her skin color, but also because she had different abilities. A fight she keeps alive to this day.
7 Min Read
Connecting Culture during a Pandemic
I interviewed a girl from Japan named Sayako. She was very nice and easy to talk to. I interviewed her on Special Olympics, the coronavirus and how it’s impacting us, and our personal interest, including Japan.
3 Min Read
Announcement: The Global Expansion of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®
On Monday, 21 July 2020, Special Olympics, Special Olympics announced the next phase of global expansion of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS)—one of the largest initiatives for inclusion in education for young people with and without intellectual disabilities—through the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
1 Min Read
Meet Steven, Role Model for Inclusion
When COVID-19 hit, Steven stepped up to the ‘front lines,’ making sure his community had everything they needed.
2 Min Read
Forgotten (Almost)
“People with intellectual disabilities always come last." Not this time.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Continues to Deliver Sports, Health and More
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Dr. Alicia Bazzano and Chief of Sport and Competition Lou Lauria were guests on Sports Byline USA’s internet radio show “Titillating Sports,” hosted by Rick Tittle.
1 Min Read
What is Inclusion?
Inclusion is accepting all people as equals—regardless of ability, ethnicity, age, religion, or gender identity—and ensuring that they have access to the same services and opportunities as everyone else.
2 Min Read
Parenting a Child With an Intellectual Disability
Realizing the Bright Future of Your Child: An Intellectual Disability Resource for New Parents
3 Min Read
25 Years of the Special Olympics Host Town Program
On the 25th anniversary of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut, we celebrate the creation and impact of the Host Town Program.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 Location Announcement Made by Athlete Leaders
Planning for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 is officially underway as Kazan, Russia was announced as official host city of the Games. Despite social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm about the announcement was shared virtually.
1 Min Read
Using Technology to Stay Connected, An Athlete’s Perspective
Why is it so hard to have to stay home when you are used to getting out and about, riding the metro, and feeling a sense of freedom? Because of COVID-19, we are staying home so that we can protect those who are vulnerable to the disease. We are all so used to being active, outgoing, human beings, by being at home, we are losing that.
3 Min Read