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.
Determination Drives Swimmer Aquiles Heredia
Aquiles Heredia is so determined to swim his best, he's improved his technique beyond what even his most supportive doctors had predicted.
1 Min Read
First Gold Medal Awarded at World Games
The spirit of competition was in full swing during day one of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
1 Min Read
First Day of Competition Highlights
The first day of competition, 15 March, at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi kicked off with a number of notable firsts.
1 Min Read
Splash Brothers of Antwerp Bring Game to Abu Dhabi
Gilles Dupont loves basketball. Even more than that, he loves playing basketball with his brothers and Unified partners, Robin and Floris.
1 Min Read
Abu Dhabi Daily Show Launches
Athlete Leader Daniel Smrokowski Interviews New Special Olympics Board Member Jennifer Fortner.
1 Min Read
Opening Ceremony Highlights for Largest World Games Ever
The opening ceremony for the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates proved to be an energetic and celebratory tribute to the spirit of competition and the power of inclusion.
6 Min Read
Humans of New York covers Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi
Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York will be doing a special series on athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers participating at the Games.
1 Min Read
AIPS and Special Olympics join forces for momentous new Young Reporters Programme at World Games Abu Dhabi
Adding to the milestone occasion of the first World Games in the Middle East and spreading its stories will be six promising journalists from 4 continents as part of a new AIPS Young Reporters Programme.
2 Min Read
Female Athletes Speak to the Power of Inclusion at the Majlis
Female Special Olympics athletes testified to the power of inclusion during a discussion at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis lecture on 13 March, 2019.
3 Min Read
Championing Community Health Workers for Inclusive Health
Individuals with intellectual disabilities face significant challenges accessing quality health, including services, resulting in pronounced health disparities and reduced life expectancy.
2 Min Read
Prince Harry Sends Message of Good Luck to Special Olympics Great Britain Team
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has sent a message of good luck to the Special Olympics Great Britain team on the eve of The Special Olympics World Games 2019.
1 Min Read
Lots of 'Firsts' on First Day of Athletics Training
It’s been a day of ‘firsts’ on the first full day of Athletics training in official World Games venues!
1 Min Read