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.
Turin 2025: Must-See Moments, According to our Athletes
With the lighting of the ‘Flame of Hope’ at Turin’s Inalpi Arena on Saturday night, the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games were officially declared open, marking the start of the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event of the year.
1 Min Read
It’s All About Teamwork, Connecting, and Communicating on the Court
Dream Team Go! It’s a mantra that can be heard ringing through the rafters before every training session and at the start of every competition for Special Olympics Mongolia’s Floorball team; the country’s first all-women’s team.
1 Min Read
A Rising Star: Uzbekistan’s Gold Medalist, Sitora Ergashova
A vision of poise and finesse, on the ice and off, Uzbekistan Figure Skater, Sitora Ergashova brings home her first gold win at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025!
3 Min Read
Ukrainian Floorball Athlete Diana Khomenko Wins on her own Terms
Ukrainian Floorball athlete, Diana Khomenko and her team proudly take home silver on Saturday, March 15, just as the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 come to a close.
3 Min Read
We Can Do It Too
With Special Olympics, everything is possible. Skiing on snow in Coral Springs, Florida, is not one of those things.
2 Min Read
Hungary’s Zsombor Bohn Wins Gold And Ventures Towards A New Dream
At 22 years old, Hungarian wunderkind Zsombor Bohn brings home double gold for the 777m and the 500m race in Division 01 of Speed Skating and bronze in the 1000m race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025!
2 Min Read
Bravery and Brotherhood: Special Olympics Jamaica’s Inspiring Journey from Wheels to Ice
Twin brothers Dale and Dave Oddman overcame numerous challenges to compete in short track speed skating at the Special Olympics World Winter Games—the least of which was training exclusively on roller blades!
2 Min Read
A Day at Inalpi Arena—Floorball Competition in Full Swing
14 March was a busy day at Inalpi Arena in Turin as the Floorball competition of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 continued.
4 Min Read
“At the End of the Race, he Wants to Keep Going!”: Slovenia’s Uroš Kotnik has a Need For Speed!
For Uroš Kotnik, a three-time gold-medalist, forward is the only way ahead.
3 Min Read
Sports At Any Age: Austria’s Gerhard Kirnbauer Races On
At 66-years-old, Austria’s Gerhard Kirnbauer is the oldest athlete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
¡Viva Inclusión! - Gonzalo Escobar Wins First Gold in Turin
On 11 March, Special Olympics Chile snowboarding athlete Gonzalo Escobar was awarded the first gold medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, competing in the Advanced Giant Slalom Snowboarding Final.
3 Min Read
A Girl's First Love
The all-consuming nature of a first love may be too much for some people. But for others, it becomes a part of their soul, their identity.
1 Min Read