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.
Fostering Inclusive Societies through the Power of Sport
This year, the theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
1 Min Read
A New Era of Inclusion: Burkina Faso Joins Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Burkina Faso Takes Bold Step for Inclusion and Empowerment
3 Min Read
Slam Dunk for Inclusion: The First Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico
This episode spotlights the power of inclusion and the growth of Unified Sports worldwide, featuring voices from Special Olympics Puerto Rico who are shaping this groundbreaking event.
1 Min Read
‘Basketball was our Language’—Brother and Sister Star in the World’s First International Unified Basketball Camp
Mer and Amira were among 40 Special Olympics players and Unified Partners from Finland, Bulgaria and Lithuania taking part.
3 Min Read
Life-changing Benefits of Basketball with Special Olympics Hellas and Panathinaikos AKTOR
“Basketball has changed my life and I am proud to be a part of this family.”
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Celebrates Unity, Courage, and Friendship with European Basketball Week 2025
More than 25,000 players from over 35 countries will compete across 250 events between 25 November and 3 December.
3 Min Read
sportanddev: Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
The following is an excerpt from sportanddev’s article, detailing the upcoming 2026 Unified Football World Cup in Paris and sharing the excitement from sponsors and Special Olympics leadership.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Create Their Own Tacos in Coca-Cola’s Campaign
Minette Dani and Ricky Landgraff from the Special Olympics Sweden team are participating this autumn in Coca-Cola’s taco campaign.
1 Min Read
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