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.
Trinidad & Tobago Makes History with First Special Olympics Regional Beach Games
Trinidad & Tobago played host to the first-ever Special Olympics Regional Beach Games. This pioneering event drew 130 athletes, 70 coaches, and delegates from Special Olympics Programs across the Caribbean to compete in a variety of beach sports.
3 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: A Mother of Three Special Olympics Athletes
Gissela is a devoted mother of three daughters with intellectual disabilities. Follow her story of balancing her role as their caregiver, coach, and provider.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces the 2024 – 2025 Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrant Awardees
Ten organizations have been selected as recipients of the 2024 – 2025 Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrant. Together, their reach spans the health ecosystem, and their exciting projects stand to improve health access for people with IDD!
4 Min Read
Special Olympics and Refugees: Bridging Communities Through Sports
The Special Olympics' "Unified with Refugees" initiative is breaking down barriers and fostering connections between Special Olympics athletes and refugee communities across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
1 Min Read
Looking to the Future at the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Leadership Conference 2024
The Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Regional Leadership Conference, hosted by Special Olympics Germany and supported by the German Ministry for the Interior and Community, Sports Metropolis Berlin, Toyota Motor Europe and Lions Clubs International Foundation, took place in Berlin on 15 and 16 October.
Faces of Inclusion: YangLingZi School Championing Inclusion
In the heart of its region, YangLingZi School serves as a model of Unified Champion Schools, a place where students of all abilities come together to learn, play, and grow side by side.
4 Min Read
Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Europe Eurasia
The Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Europe Eurasia event brought together leaders, mentors, educators, and youth with and without intellectual disabilities from across Europe and Eurasia.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Presents on Ongoing Health Equity Projects at the 2024 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting ‘Key Session’
Special Olympics Presents on Ongoing Health Equity Projects at the 2024 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting ‘Key Session’
2 Min Read
Remembering Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones wasn’t just a music industry legend; he was a true leader in spreading the message of inclusion! His dedication to the A Very Special Christmas (AVCS) albums is unmatched, helping bring people together through the power of music.
1 Min Read
Disability Employment Awareness—It’s More Than a Month
Hosts Josh Basile and Novie Craven are joined by David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica athlete and Global Athlete Leadership Council member, who contributes his perspective as an employee of Special Olympics Jamaica.
1 Min Read
Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Middle East/North Africa
The Special Olympics MENA Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Hub event, titled Excellence in Action: Expanding UCS across the MENA region, was held from October 23 to October 26, 2024.
2 Min Read
Highlights from First-Ever Unified Champion Schools Competition Worldwide
For the first time, Special Olympics MENA hosted a regional competition dedicated to Unified Champion Schools, bringing together athletes and youth leaders from across the region to compete in unified sports.
3 Min Read