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.
Juneteeth: Special Olympics Pauses to Reflect
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated every 19 June. This holiday commemorates the announcement in Galveston, Texas, on 19 June 1865 that all enslaved people were free and celebrates the end of slavery.
In Memory of Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith
Special Olympics mourns the loss of Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, a beloved advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She was the eighth child and youngest daughter of Rose and Joseph Kennedy, sister to U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Chief Health Officer Explains How COVID-19 Complicates Dental Treatment For Patients With Intellectual Disabilities
Patients with intellectual disabilities already face complications in finding and getting dental treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made these challenges harder. Special Olympics Chief Health Officer shares her insights about these difficulties.
5 Min Read
Common Myths About Intellectual Disability
Help Our Athletes Break Barriers To Create a More Inclusive World
1 Min Read
FabFitFun and Special Olympics Athletes Team Up for the FabFitFun Summer Box!
Krystal Johnson and Jenna Ramirez are two of four Special Olympics athletes from Special Olympics Southern California featured in this season’s FabFitFun Summer Box!
1 Min Read
Online National Games Across Europe Eurasia
With the world in lockdown over the past months, Special Olympics programmes across Europe Eurasia were forced to cancel or postpone activities to protect the health of athletes and their families.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Virtual Games take Belgium by the storm!
This spring, Special Olympics Belgium welcomed the very first edition of the Virtual Games—a two-day digital event as a replacement for the traditional Summer National Games. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belgian team was forced to cancel the in-person competition, but that didn’t stop their athletes from finding a way to compete!
2 Min Read
Special Olympics pushes forward with the unfinished business of equity, diversity and inclusion
Last week, our community gathered in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color in the United States and around the world to express our outrage at the death of George Floyd and at so many countless acts of racism and bigotry that have crushed the lives of millions of people in history and still today. We met as a global family to listen, to learn, and to act.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics and WWE Health and Fitness Caregiver Guide
A Fitness and Nutrition Resource for People With Intellectual Disabilities
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Russia on Front Page of Tatler
Fashion magazine Tatler Russia dedicated its June issue to people with intellectual disabilities, featuring Special Olympics cheerleader Masha Budina, swimmers Misha Stroyev and Yan Ovsienko, and Special Olympics Russia President, Olga Slutsker front cover story!
1 Min Read
My Graphics, Arts and Crafts Journey
One of my teachers said that through art I could communicate with my fellow students. When we would have art classes I felt relaxed and included.
1 Min Read
Olympic Legend Vladimir “Vanja” Grbic Answers Your Questions
During his time of Covid-19 lockdown in Serbia, Olympic Volleyball legend and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Vladimir “Vanja” Grbic took time to answer a range of questions from across our movement—from how to cope with social distancing to how to prepare for an Olympic final.
2 Min Read