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.
Women Who Inspire Change
This Women’s History Month, Special Olympics is celebrating the remarkable women who lead, inspire and make a difference in our organization—an organization founded on the visionary leadership of one woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
2 Min Read
Play Like a Girl
Coinciding with Women’s History Month, these Games sent a powerful message to the world: everyone has a place in sport.
2 Min Read
Lorraine Whelan, The Irish Powerhouse Skier
“Being able to ski a really tough course, that’s been my highlight. And now I’ve done it,” shares Team Ireland’s treasured alpine skier, Lorraine Whelan, waving her ski poles in the air as she dances with the crowd in Sestriere.
2 Min Read
Celebrating Partnership and Health at the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marks the opening of Healthy Athletes screenings at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
2 Min Read
Tuttosport Highlights MATP Skier and the Progression of Inclusive Sport for All
On Tuesday 18 March, Tuttosport, one of Italy’s leading sport newspapers, published an article on Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) skier Samuele Tron and his coach, Andrea Tron, who is also his father.
2 Min Read
Andrea Tomasoni, a Dancing Soul
"I have been dancing for 12 years, and I am going to the Special Olympics World Games," says Andrea Tomasoni. "Dancing is like talking to my soul..."
4 Min Read
Inclusive Health in Action
For Cori Piels, inclusive health isn’t just about ensuring she sees a doctor. It’s about feeling heard, understood.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Gain Health Prevention and Sports Recovery Through Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Screenings
Healthy Athletes programs, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, has accomplished a big difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes—most of whom do not have access to regular health care and in some cases, may not have ever seen a doctor.
3 Min Read
Finding Balance in Mind, Body and Confidence
His movements are natural, precise, and fluid—each glide of his skates is a quiet testament to years of dedication and perseverance.
2 Min Read
A Unique Bond
Doug Claus has never been to Kosovo, but as Delegation Assistant Liaison volunteer for the country, he has been an integral part of the operation for the group during and has become family during their time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
1 Min Read
The Bond of Sisterhood
Dominika Oravcova holds up a Special Olympics Slovakia flag at the alpine skiing medal ceremony, cheering loudly for her sister, Michaela, who has just won the bronze medal.
1 Min Read
From Basketball Bonds to Floorball Finals: The Power of Friendship for Special Olympics Morocco
Special Olympics Morocco athlete Imane Bouissane and her teammates are participating in their first World Winter Games in floorball, a sport they’ve only learned in the past two years.
1 Min Read