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.
‘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
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