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.
Taste of Victory: China’s Top Scorer Leads his Team to Success
Although the city of Turin offered sites, history, and iconic Italian cuisine, the only thing on this floorball player’s mind was victory.
1 Min Read
From the Arctic Circle to Italy: Greenland’s Nuka Martin Lynge Raises the Bar
At 21 years old, cross-country-skier Nuka Martin Lynge, from Greenland, has already completed two runs of the Arctic Circle Race—recognised as the world’s most challenging cross-country skiing competition.
3 Min Read
Konrad Dębniak: Team Poland’s Generous Spirit and Sporting Hero!
Konrad Dębniak (35), an accomplished athlete from Special Olympics Poland, has become a true role model for his community—on and off the sports field.
3 Min Read
Snow in the Desert: An Alpine Skier from Egypt Wins at the World Winter Games
Antwan “Tony” Saad developed a passion for skiing but has a very peculiar dilemma: his home country of Egypt only receives snow on the rarest of occasions (sometimes years apart).
1 Min Read
From Almost Missing the World Winter Games to Gold: How Special Olympics Tajikistan Brought Home Six Medals With A Little Help From Their Friends
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 were an extraordinary occasion for athletes with and without intellectual disability to prove their skills on a global stage and bring home precious medals.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Oklahoma Coach Wins SONA Lifetime Achievement Award
For more than two decades, Susan St. John has been a fixture of the Special Olympics Oklahoma community, ever since her daughter, Chelsea, first became an athlete while in middle school.
3 Min Read
SO USA Skier Alexandrea Rutledge Shares Her Experience From Turin 2025
Alexandrea Rutledge trained hard for Turin 2025. Now she's excited to show off her skills to friends back home.
1 Min Read
More Than Words: First Special Olympics Turkmenistan Athlete Competes in World Winter Games Figure Skating
Although figure skating athlete Nuranay Habybova could only communicate with her delegation, she could easily express herself on the ice.
2 Min Read
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