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.
Black History Month—Highlighting Venisha Bowler’s Incredible Work on Inclusive Sport
This February, Special Olympics is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting Venisha Bowler, Director of Sport Competition Management, an instrumental part of the organization for more than three decades.
3 Min Read
Leaving Low Expectations Behind: Meet Shirnel
Shirnel Swarts is a bright light wherever she shines—and she’s been shining a lot lately. A talented athlete, Shirnel is excited to be training for her second Special Olympics World Winter Games!
1 Min Read
Sports Excellence as Tradition: Gonzalo Gets Ready for Turin
Gonzalo Escobar Wernli grew up with a love for winter sports—and a talent for them, too. And why wouldn’t he? He enjoyed early instruction from his grandfather, Claudio Wernli, who was a competitive skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria, among other events.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics and Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust Join Forces to Advance Inclusion Through Partnership Renewal
Inclusive sports and health initiatives to be funded across the Caribbean and Europe
3 Min Read
Floorball Ingenuity: How Namibia Improvised On and Off the Court
Through creativity, partnership, and improvised equipment, Namibia’s floorball team has found a curious path to not only play the sport, but to excel and reach the world stage in Turin for the 2025 World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
What Makes a Leader? A Senegalese Athlete’s Discovery
Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step over more than a decade what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
3 Min Read
Can a Touchdown Create Community?
The following is an excerpt from an op-ed in The Fulcrum, written by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver in collaboration with the Harris Poll.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation Unite to Provide Photo Service During World Winter Games Turin 2025
Experienced team of photographers to capture high-quality photos of all delegations from Africa, Europe Eurasia, and Latin America
5 Min Read
Javier Trejo: Speed, Passion, and the Road to Turin 2025
Spanish alpine skier preparing to take to the slopes for a sixth World Winter Games
3 Min Read
World Winter Games Turin 2025 International Media Coverage Hub
As the Special Olympics World Winter Games near, media networks around the world are buzzing about the exciting winter sport spectacle taking place 8 – 15 March in Turin, Italy. Check out some of the coverage below:
11 Min Read
Michal Dolinsky from Považská Celebrated by Famous Footballer Drogba: The Teenager will Represent Slovakia at Special World Winter Games in Turin!
The following is an excerpt from Novy Cas's article on Special Olympics MATP skier, Michal Dolinsky, who has been recognized for his athletic abilities by Didier Drogba.
1 Min Read
Slovakia Hosts its very First Special Olympics European Unified Volleyball Tournament
The first placed Special Olympics Slovakia team succeeded in securing a direct spot in the Special Olympics World Unified Volleyball Cup which will take place in Poland later this year.
2 Min Read