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.
Special Olympics Global Coalition For Inclusion Celebrates Progress
Leaders gather in Turin to strengthen commitment to inclusive education through sports
4 Min Read
From a Training on a Volcano to the Competing in the Alps: Special Olympics Costa Rica Athletes Excel in Snowshoeing
With no snow in Costa Rica, snowshoeing athletes Ashly Sanchez Ledezma and Emily Salguero Mata got creative with their training by practicing on a volcano.
2 Min Read
Lead and Follow: Special Olympics Netherlands Unified DanceSport
At just 3 years old, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete Kenya Koene began dancing. The footwork came naturally, as she followed in the footsteps of her mother, Irene Reniers, a longtime dancer.
2 Min Read
Team Estonia’s Helen Nääme Sails into DanceSport Finals!
Special Olympics Estonia athlete Helen Nääme kicked off the Games by leading her delegation in the Parade of Athletes at Opening Ceremony.
3 Min Read
Shane's Journey of Determination to World Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
When Special Olympics Finds You: An Unexpected Intersection of Medicine, Sport and Inclusion
While pursuing his medical degree at the University of Nairobi, Dr. Gome was an avid basketball player, dedicating his Saturdays to the sport he loved.
1 Min Read
Global Youth Leadership Summit World Winter Games Turin 2025
The final day of the Global Youth Leadership Summit focused on sustaining long-term change.
1 Min Read
Young Athletes Take the Floor
Pala Giani Asti was a party this morning as over 200 children from 7 area schools gathered for Special Olympics Young Athletes.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Earns First Medal of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Gonzalo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read
Everyone Belongs in Sport: MATP Skiers Take to the Slopes in Powerful Sport Demonstration
Yesterday marks a historic day for the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) when the first-ever MATP Demonstration took place at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
1 Min Read
Leveling the Field: Ugandan Youth Leading Change Through Soccer and Basketball
Their shared love of soccer has brought them not only friendship but also a powerful mission: to unite children with and without intellectual disabilities through sports—and to fight bullying in their community.
1 Min Read
Nearly 1,900 Health Screenings Performed in Three Days at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®
Over three days, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, conducted a total of 1,854 health screenings!
1 Min Read