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.
PS Profiles Differences between Paralympics and Special Olympics
Writer Kristine Thomason notes the similarities between the two organizations but emphasizes the key differences and the need to use correct language when describing the work of each organization.
1 Min Read
The True Beauty of Cape Town
Eltheo and Charl aimed to create a soccer club for 14–16-year-old girls, hoping to inspire school-going youth by showing them there is a future and that they can succeed if they set their minds to something.
4 Min Read
EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN
On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Jamaica Athlete Named to Global Athlete Leadership Role
Special Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan's thoughtful demeanor and strong leadership skills are large reasons he finds himself as the newly named chairperson for the Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC).
3 Min Read
From the Red Carpet to World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Elisa Parutto made one dream come true when she walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival last week with fellow athlete and accomplished actor Gabriele Di Bello. Now, she looks forward to bringing another dream to life when she competes in DanceSport at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read
Special Olympics’ Action-First Push for Inclusion Everywhere
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Program Officer Panos Vazaios reflects on the power of Special Olympics’ approach and the partnership between Special Olympics and SNF, including the Play Unified: Learn Unified initiative and the Global Coalition for Inclusion.
3 Min Read
Malta is Leading the Way in Unified Sports Development
National Government of Malta Joins Global Coalition for Inclusion with major commitment to Special Olympics programming
3 Min Read
Getting Serious About Sustainability
The Special Olympics Environmental Sustainability Impact project, funded by the European Union (EU), is now entering its final months. By the end of this year, the team will have produced a pioneering sustainability framework that can be used across our movement and beyond.
3 Min Read
A New Era of Special Education Begins with Inclusive AI
The following excerpt is from Tim Shriver’s op-ed, “A New Era of Special Education Begins with Inclusive AI,” published by Time Ideas:
1 Min Read
Special Olympics France’s Fanélie Croizat Carries Olympic Torch for Paris 2024
Earlier this year as France ramped up to host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Fanélie was asked to carry the Olympic Torch in the city of Lyon, France near her hometown of Saint-Chamond.
3 Min Read
Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools Across Latin America
In July 2024, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education and Special Olympics Argentina hosted the Excellence in Action: Expanding Unified Champion Schools workshop, with support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, an event aimed at introducing and expanding Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programming.
2 Min Read
Spotlight on Lily D Moore - Embracing Diversity, Advocacy and Inclusive Education
Hosts Josh Basile from accessiBe, and Novie Craven meet Lily D. Moore, actor, model and Special Olympics Global Ambassador!
1 Min Read