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.
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
Celebrating Inclusive Health Across the MENA Region
Leadership from Special Olympics International and the Golisano Foundation spent the week of November 4th in the MENA Region witnessing the impact of local health programs in action!
3 Min Read
Special Olympics European Football Conference 2024: Building an Inclusive Football Community
From 20 to 21 November, the 16th Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia (SOEE) Football Conference took place in Brdo, Slovenia, bringing together 42 representatives from 26 countries.
2 Min Read
Unstoppable Determination: One Athlete's Journey of Passion and Love for Sport
For the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Special Olympics is celebrating athletes like Michal Dolinsky!
1 Min Read
People are Openly Using the R-Word Again. But Why? - Boston Globe
The following is an excerpt from The Boston Globes’ article, “‘I’m really terrified’: Disability rights advocates concerned about return of r-word” on the resurgence of the r-word:
1 Min Read
#EBW2024 Takes Over Schools: Building a Unified Generation through Basketball!
European Basketball Week 2024 will focus on schools and Unified Basketball among the younger generations
2 Min Read
Martim's Football Journey with Special Olympics and Sporting Clube de Portugal
Martim Maia is a Special Olympics Portugal athlete whose life changed when he discovered his love of football. Discover Martim's journey and the perspectives of those around him in this feature video, supported by UEFA.
Special Olympics & UEFA: a Partnership in a League of its Own
We look back on a fantastic year of football cooperation and celebration and reflect on the powerful partnership between Special Olympics and UEFA.
4 Min Read
Trinidad & Tobago Embraces Vision for Inclusive Education Through Sports
Caribbean nation becomes second in the region to join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion at Opening Ceremony of Unified Beach Games
2 Min Read
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