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.
Opening Doors: Advancing Inclusive Pediatric Care in Colombia
Recognized annually on 20 November, World Children’s Day brings awareness to children’s rights and welfare worldwide.
5 Min Read
Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
The following is an excerpt from the International Sports Press Association’s (AIPS) article, “Paris to host 3rd edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026” covering the announcement of Paris, France as the host of the Unified Football World Cup in 2026.
1 Min Read
Over 100 Sports Experts Convene in Cyprus for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports Conference 2025
The "Between the Games" Sports Conference focused on leveraging the Special Olympics World Games to further Sports Development for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities in Europe and Eurasia.
4 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 3: A Family’s Journey with Special Olympics
Claudia Peña’s journey with Special Olympics began through her daughter, Paola, but quickly became a shared family experience, one where her family not only found community, but a deeper understanding of inclusion and resilience.
3 Min Read
Healthy Athletes and Home Runs: Bringing Health and Sports Together at SONA Softball Championship
Imagine being an athlete ready to compete at the highest level, but you're distracted by a throbbing mouth from tooth pain.
3 Min Read
Champions of Inclusive Public Health: Special Olympics at APHA 2025
Members of the Special Olympics Health team attended and presented at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Washington, D.C., sharing updates and news about our ongoing Health work.
9 Min Read
Using Basketball to Overcome the Exclusion of her Past: Cecilia Gonzalez
Meet Cecilia Gonzalez, a basketball player with Special Olympics Paraguay, whose life is now unrecognizable after she discovered her love for basketball and competing with Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Kay Center Provides Employment and Sport Opportunities to People with Intellectual Disabilities
A lifelong sports fan, Todd Youngblood came to the Kay Community Service Center, a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) located in Fort Valley, Georgia, in 1995 and was immediately put to work.
3 Min Read
Building Healthier, Inclusive Schools Through the Special Olympics Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle Groups in Schools Project
Learn how this EU-funded Special Olympics project has been transforming the lives of students with and without intellectual disabilities in Europe for the past three years.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics North America Programs Highlight Healthy Athletes Screenings
Competing in sports at your highest potential requires more than just hard work and determination.
3 Min Read
From Gymnastics to the Big Screen
Magnus first stepped into a gymnastics class at just six years old.
2 Min Read
Advocating, Inspiring, and Leading with Confidence
Margaret Turley, a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, recently had the opportunity to travel internationally, visiting both Brussels and New York, and she brought her passion for inclusion and health advocacy wherever she went.
1 Min Read