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.
Tamara Röske: A Star on the Track, Stage and Screen
Special Olympics Germany athlete, model, actor and musician; Röske’s multifaceted talents shine brightly one year on from Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read
A Mermaid in Berlin: Swimmer Anita Reflects on the World Games 2023
One year on from the World Games in Berlin, Special Olympics Italy swimmer Anita Greco and her family look back on the immense impact the competition has had on their lives.
2 Min Read
Bradley Stuart: “If I Didn’t go to the World Games, I Don’t Think I’d Have a Job”
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Bradley Stuart, a football player with Special Olympics Great Britain, reflects on the profound effect that the experience has had on his life.
1 Min Read
Irish Golfers Look Back on Berlin: “It’s the Best Thing You’ll Ever do!”
As the movement celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Irish golfing twins Sarah and Trudy Hyland reflect on the impact of the Games.
1 Min Read
A Father’s Struggle to Learn Acceptance—An extraordinary Journey
In Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, there’s a heartwarming story about a young boy with Down syndrome who, with his father’s support, became a champion.
2 Min Read
Saif and Ali Sumaida: A Father Supporting his Son on and Off the Field of Play
“I am Saif Bin Sumaida, a retired senior engineer from ADNOC Gas. God blessed me with four sons and two daughters. We discovered that one of our sons, Ali, had autism at four years old and he struggled a lot with his speech growing up. We enrolled him in speech therapy sessions at the New England Center to help him work on this.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Denmark Idrætsfestival 2024 Ignites Change
From May 24 – 26, the picturesque town of Frederikshavn in northern Denmark staged the biggest multisport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Nordic region.
3 Min Read
Transformative Power of Believing in one's Potential: A Coach and Athlete’s Bond
Ahmed El Farji has taken on the role of coach with Special Olympics Morocco tennis player Hajar Cherif Lamrani, guiding her with dedication and expertise.
2 Min Read
My Journey with Special Olympics – Zhichen’s Story
An athlete in Chinese Taipei shares how Special Olympics changed his life.
1 Min Read
Raising the Profile of Disability Inclusion at the 77th World Health Assembly
Every year, representatives from Ministries of Health around the world gather in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Health Assembly (WHA)—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
3 Min Read
Samantha Rodriguez: Logging Miles & Leading the Way
To many, running is a solitary sport. One person, one route, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It’s been a way to connect, form a community, and create opportunities for those around her.
3 Min Read
Cyclists Set New Guinness World Record Titles in RideLondon-Essex100
Following Lloyd Martin’s incredible achievements at last month’s TCS London Marathon, Special Olympics Surrey Cycling Club cyclists, Tom Kelsall and Hannah Kemp, have set new Guinness World Records titles by completing the Ford RideLondon-Essex100.
1 Min Read