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Stories

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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.

Accepting Me: Meet Yannick

Through accepting himself, Yannick found his voice. He wants people, especially parents, to know that inclusion starts with you!

Athlete-Coaches Shine During European Basketball Week

Special Olympics athlete-coaches from SO Belgium (Tamara) and SO Germany (Andre) made their mark at the Unified Basketball Tournament held in Munich, Germany from 28 – 30 November.
1 Min Read

Never Give Up: Meet Al-Sayyed

Al-Sayyed joined Special Olympics as a volunteer. Then he became an athlete. Now he is a leader.

Special Olympics Athletes Can Heal the Nation

In a Washington Post Op-Ed, Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman of the Board, explains why athletes are role models when it comes to inclusion and acceptance.
1 Min Read

2019: A Very Inclusive Year

This was a big year for Special Olympics. From high-level competitions and high-profile partnerships to the expansion of Unified Sports and Athlete Leadership, the power of inclusion was on full display.
2 Min Read

Ken Melvin's Tips on Facilitating a Meeting

Have you been tasked to lead a meeting but don’t know where to begin? Whether you have 3 or 100 participants, Ken Melvin has tips to help you get started the right way.
1 Min Read

When the Ref Make The Rules: Meet Jimmy

Growing up, the schools and even some family members treated Jimmy as if he were cursed. As a referee, he is an authority figure and asset.

Special Olympics Wish You Happy Holidays!

U2 “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” written and recorded for A Very Special Christmas 30th Anniversary Album.
1 Min Read

Soccerex and Special Olympics: Bringing International Footballers Together

Special Olympics and Soccerex signed a global partnership agreement during SoccerexUSA 2019 in Miami, Florida.
1 Min Read

Thank You, NFL Players

I want to tell you a story about a kid who fell in love with sports at a young age. About a kid who had dreams of making a difference. A kid who was willing to do whatever it took to achieve that dream, but who was also just trying to keep up with everyone else.
2 Min Read

Sport as Inspiration: Meet Joyce

Joyce’s passion is sports. She uses that same passion to inspire others, especially the youth.

Lize inspires FOX Sports Netherlands team

It’s not every day at work that you hear from a gold-medallist who commands crowds of 64,000 people—no wonder the staff of FOX Sports Netherlands were so inspired by Special Olympics Netherlands Athlete Leader, Lize Weerdenburg!
2 Min Read