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.
Swimmers Competed in Open Water Maccabia Games Event
Every 4 years, Israel hosts the Maccabia Games, which are called the “Jewish Olympics." Jews from about 80 countries come to compete.
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Special Olympics Russia Athletes Realized a Dream
The athletes' dream became a reality when they served as flag bearers at the recent FIFA Confederations Cup 2017.
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Eunice Kennedy Shriver Receives Arthur Ashe Award For Courage at The 2017 ESPYS
Watch Tim Shriver accept the award on his mother's behalf and call out the work that still needs to be done.
Special Olympics Turkey Held Last Regional Games of the Season
On 6th June, athletes from Thrace regions competed in the Regional Games in Kırklareli.
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Tyler Lagasse Finds Many Kinds of Success Through Sports
From the golf course to chemistry classes at Middlesex Community College, the golfer has carved an impressive path.
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How Kester Edwards Has Had a Major Impact
The longtime Special Olympics athlete is a member of the very first class of Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers.
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Multisport Star Daina Shilts Embraces Being Different
The snowboarder is an athlete leader who’s as dynamic on the speaker’s podium as she is on the slopes.
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How Michelle Canazaro's Practice Proves Her Dedication
To train for winter sports, Michelle laces up her snow boots, straps on her skis, and heads to the beach -- even in 90 degree heat.
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How Paige Harris Keeps Defying the Odds
Despite the challenges she faces, Paige is a natural athlete. It doesn’t matter what sport it is, her coaches say she excels.
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Justin "JJ" Jones Gets His Motto From His Dad
Justin has been with Special Olympics Pennsylvania for three years, competing in multiple sports, though swimming is his favorite.
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Dustin Plunkett
Dustin is an athlete leader who served as spokesman and Global Messenger for the 2015 World Games as well as a broadcaster for ESPN.
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Brendan West Found Happiness on a Basketball Court
Brendan West’s life has been anything but “normal” since the day he was born. Find out how basketball has helped him with that.
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