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.
You are not Just Athletes, You are Champions!
As the athletes of Special Olympics prepare for the World Winter Games Turin 2025, high profile figures from across Europe send their best wishes for a successful, joyful and fearless World Winter Games!
2 Min Read
Flame of Hope Ignites the Path to Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
The Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ begins its journey from Athens to Italy
3 Min Read
Finding the Right Fit: Why Your Environment Matters
Special Olympics Hong Kong athlete Hui Lok-yee recognized the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. The difference between the struggles she faced at a young age and the success she later found was not about effort. It was about environment.
2 Min Read
Turin 2025 Home Hope: Ugo Valentini Swaps Tennis Racket For Snowboard Boots
Multi-sports talent balances training for the Special Olympics World Winter Games with driving lessons
3 Min Read
Black History Month – Theresa Simms-Smith’s Life-Long Dedication to Inclusivity
This February, Special Olympics is celebrating Black History Month and spotlighting an integral member of the Special Olympics team, Theresa Simms-Smith, Special Olympics’ Business Services Manager.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics ‘Superpowers’ on Display at the Super Bowl
Special Olympics Unified reporters Malcom Harris-Gowdie and Wyatt Spalding teamed up with Fansided to conduct over 30 interviews in the lead up to Super Bowl LIX.
2 Min Read
Raja Dalis, Special Olympics Illinois Mother, Emphasizes the Power of Community
When Raja Dalis couldn't find the resources she wanted as the parent of a child with an intellectual disability, she created them, finding a new community along the way.
3 Min Read
Unified On and Off the Court: Ines and Jasmin’s Winning Floorball Connection
Special Olympics Germany Unified duo is ready to compete in the World Winter Games Turin 2025
3 Min Read
Empowering Mentors: The First SOMENA Athlete Leaders Mentors Training in Abu Dhabi
From December 16 – 17, 2024, Abu Dhabi hosted the First Special Olympics Middle East / North Africa Athlete Leaders Mentors Training.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics MENA Athlete Leadership Congress 2024: Empowering Inclusion and Leadership
From November 27 – 30, 2024, the Special Olympics MENA Athlete Leadership Congress (RALC) made history in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the first leadership-focused Special Olympics event hosted in the Kingdom.
6 Min Read
Unified Champion Schools: Transformative Impacts Across Europe Eurasia
In schools across Europe Eurasia, students are redefining what it means to be inclusive through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS).
1 Min Read
Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter 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