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.
2024 Special Olympics Holiday Card
As 2024 draws to a close, Special Olympics extends warm wishes and tremendous thanks to our outstanding athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff, and supporters from all over the world.
Expansion of Special Olympics Football Partnerships Thanks to Soccerex
Special Olympics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Soccerex.
1 Min Read
The White House Honors Special Olympics Athletes in Moving Holiday Celebration
The President hosted a dinner honoring Special Olympics athletes set to attend the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in March 2025, celebrating the legacy of the movement and its impact on the world.
3 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Rockie Zhao
Rockie began playing Unified Sports with a friend. This small action eventually became a regular part of her life and eventually into a passion she pursued.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Reaches Historic Milestone: 10,000 Schools Unified
The following is an excerpt from K 12 Dive's article, “‘Special Olympics Reaches Historic Milestone: 10,000 Schools Unified"
1 Min Read
The Michael Phelps Foundation and Special Olympics Transforming the World of Swim
As Special Olympics and the Michael Phelps Foundation continue their partnership, the future of swimming for athletes with intellectual disabilities looks brighter than ever.
3 Min Read
“Our Presence is a Change for the Better”: Special Olympics Athletes Journey into Public Service
Malta’s Gilmour Borg and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edna Šunjić have achieved success on the Special Olympics stage and are now using their talents to bring about broader change in society.
5 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Sammy’s Journey
Sammy’s childhood is a familiar story for many children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who grow up in environments where differences are misunderstood and punished.
2 Min Read
Innovation Grant: Inclusion Beyond Sports
Inclusion Beyond Sports is changing how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are seen and integrated into society.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Opens Empowering Photo Exhibition in Brussels with Support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
The exhibition and its launch event highlight triumphs of athletes with intellectual disabilities and the power of the Special Olympics-SNF global partnership in fostering a more inclusive world.
2 Min Read
Play Maker and Game Changer: How Joachim Joris is Changing Special Olympics Unified Sports ®
Whether he is holding a basketball or a sports rule book, Joachim Joris is on a mission to make Unified basketball a better experience for all.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics International and Education Cannot Wait Join Forces to Advance Inclusion through Sports and Physical Education in Emergency and Protracted Crisis Settings
Groundbreaking partnership aims to address barriers faced by children with intellectual disabilities in some of the most challenging crises worldwide.
2 Min Read