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.
I Coach Girls Project to Launch Resources for Engaging Girls in Sport
As a partner in the I Coach Girls project, the SO Europe Eurasia Foundation (SOEEF) has ensured that the needs and input of girls with intellectual disabilities are represented at every stage.
3 Min Read
Sebastiaan Van Luijn: From Childhood Bullying to Competing at Turin 2025
Sebastiaan’s journey shows the power of perseverance and community support.
3 Min Read
Skiing "Is My Favorite Exercise!"—Alexandrea Trains for World Winter Games
Alexandrea Rutledge has been working out "a lot" ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for more than 12 years, and this will be her first international competition.
1 Min Read
Be a Fan of Floorball Athlete Fan Xinwei
Fan Xinwei is a teenage athlete who's already an experienced Special Olympics floorball player. In fact, he's been playing floorball since 2016.
1 Min Read
Basketball Relaunched in the Netherlands with Milestone National Event
In the middle of the Special Olympics European Basketball Week, basketball in the Netherlands has been relaunched with an event in the capital: the Special Olympics National Basketball Event is the starting point to give the sport the much-needed new boost.
4 Min Read
Olympic Torch Bearer and Special Olympics athlete Fanélie Croizat Champions Teamwork Ahead of Turin 2025
Special Olympics France cross-country skier values joy, friendship and personal growth over podium finishes.
3 Min Read
Global State of Inclusion in Education: Promises Made Must Become Promises Kept
The infrastructure of exclusion wasn’t built in a day, and it won’t be dismantled in a day. Moving beyond incremental steps in transforming education systems will require
urgent, coordinated action—led by governments, civil society and international organizations—to transform education systems and deliver true inclusion for all learners.
2 Min Read
Unified Sport and Inclusion: Sunday 19 January—A Double Event in Rieti with 5-a-Side Football and Basketball
Two sports, two great passions, one great Unified Special Olympics event on Sunday that will involve athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from the Fortitudo Baskin, Team Sport L'Aquila, and Rietinclude teams, with the support of young refugees from Rieti participating as well.
1 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: A Tale of Two Siblings
Mohamed's journey from facing societal barriers to becoming a champion is a testament to the support of his family and the opportunities provided by sport and Unified Champion Schools.
2 Min Read
Unified Sport and Inclusion: Sunday 19 January—A Double Event in Rieti with 5-a-Side Football and Basketball
Two sports, two great passions, one great Unified Special Olympics event on Sunday that will involve athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from the Fortitudo Baskin, Team Sport L'Aquila, and Rietinclude teams, with the support of young refugees from Rieti participating as well.
1 Min Read
The Sports Ethics Examiner & Special Olympics Team Up to Champion Inclusion in Sport
As the build-up continues to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy from 8-15 March, Special Olympics has teamed up with The Sports Ethics Examiner, for a fresh dialogue around Special Olympics, its athletes and coaches, and its impact on the world of sport.
2 Min Read
Xu Xiujuan: The Extraordinary Story Behind a Radiant Smile
Xu Xiujuan has an extraordinary story to share. Those who meet her are often captivated by her bright eyes and cheerful demeanor, even though her life has been filled with challenges and marked by perseverance.
2 Min Read