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.
The Michael Phelps Foundation and Special Olympics Transforming the World of Swim
As Special Olympics and the Michael Phelps Foundation continue their partnership, the future of swimming for athletes with intellectual disabilities looks brighter than ever.
3 Min Read
“Our Presence is a Change for the Better”: Special Olympics Athletes Journey into Public Service
Malta’s Gilmour Borg and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edna Šunjić have achieved success on the Special Olympics stage and are now using their talents to bring about broader change in society.
5 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Sammy’s Journey
Sammy’s childhood is a familiar story for many children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who grow up in environments where differences are misunderstood and punished.
2 Min Read
Innovation Grant: Inclusion Beyond Sports
Inclusion Beyond Sports is changing how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are seen and integrated into society.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Opens Empowering Photo Exhibition in Brussels with Support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
The exhibition and its launch event highlight triumphs of athletes with intellectual disabilities and the power of the Special Olympics-SNF global partnership in fostering a more inclusive world.
2 Min Read
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