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.
Six Majors, One Message: More Than a Marathon
In this episode, Novie Craven sits down with Thomas Cantara, a Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete who has completed all six World Marathon Majors—Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York City and Tokyo.
1 Min Read
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Special Olympics Athletes in the Workplace
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive employment.
3 Min Read
Thrills and Triumphs at the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed) both won gold, each team bringing its own energy to the tournament.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics and UPS Extend Global Collaboration to December 2026
Renewed engagement includes a USD 310,000 grant supporting inclusive programming across five regions.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger Valentino Vergotine Speaks at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin
“We have to focus on the invisible—the invisible challenges to health services and invisible people, like me.”
3 Min Read
A Landmark Week for Inclusion: Middle East & Africa MATP Coach Training and Health Forum
From October 1 – 5, 2025, Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (SOMENA) hosted the first-ever Continental MATP Coach Training Seminar and Family Health Forum in Abu Dhabi.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Is Leading Change in Healthcare
When Melony Salla, a Special Olympics Indiana athlete, walks into a doctor’s office, she wants to be treated like what she is, the expert on her own body.
2 Min Read
Shared Dreams, One Goal: Serbia’s Unified Volleyball Teams Make Their Mark in Poland
Two Serbian athletes—separated by age but united by the game—proudly represented their country.
6 Min Read
Turning Struggles Into Strength
At 18 years old, Lê Trọng Nguyên (Austin), the only child in his family, Austin has always been surrounded by love at home, but school life was often a different story.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition Expands Inclusive Sports Landscape for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Region
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition recently wrapped up, with 80 badminton players, including 63 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 17 unified partners.
5 Min Read
Bronze Victory for Krystian Fąfara and Team Poland!
The arena in Katowice roared as Team Poland clinched bronze on home soil, defeating Iraq in the duel for third place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
4 Min Read