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.
From Blurry to Bright: Colleen’s Path to Diagnosis
In February 2024, Special Olympics New Jersey athlete Colleen Ciecura began experiencing persistent eye discomfort—itching, dryness, and blurry, double vision.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics Slovakia are Crowned Unified Volleyball World Cup Champions!
After an electric four days and 40 matches played, the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup crowns its first-ever champions: Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed).
3 Min Read
Growing Athlete Leadership in Hawaii
When Nikilani Rojas first learned she had been chosen to attend the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Conference, she was at baseball practice.
2 Min Read
From Quiet Struggles to a Wicked Spike: Sonia Ciboldi Rises as Italy Defeats Serbia 2–1
For Sonia Ciboldi, camaraderie goes hand-in-hand with competition as Italy edges Serbia 2–1 and enters the race for fifth place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
3 Min Read
The Stage is Set: Find out who Advanced to the Final of the Unified Volleyball World Cup
After three days of competition and 32 matches later, the finals of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup are set.
3 Min Read
Michael Svitak—Guiding Light of Team Austria!
At 48, Team Austria’s Michael Svitak is one of the most experienced players, taking up the role of “unofficial captain” and leading by example both on and off the court.
2 Min Read
Slovakia’s Rising Star: Šimon Jakuš Shines on Court AND on Stage!
On day two of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025, Šimon and Team Slovakia took on Austria once again, securing a decisive 2:0 victory.
2 Min Read
Inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day: Athlete Voices Echo in Heart of Europe
The inaugural Special Olympics European Union (EU) Day, a flagship event of the European Week of Sport, saw almost 200 athletes, coaches and staff take Brussels by storm as they raised their voices at the European Parliament and the European Commission on 24 and 25 September.
3 Min Read
Day 2 of the Unified Volleyball World Cup in the Books – Up Next
Day 2 of competition at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland from 5-8 October brought a mix of emotions for all 16 competing teams as some rose to the top of their groups and others fell.
2 Min Read
Hope in Every Serve: How Volleyball Inspires Nataliia Vyhivska’s Dreams
DayNataliia Vyhivska and her team played to win in Katowice, beating Team Mongolia 2-0 (25-11, 25-20). “When I’m on the court, everything else disappears."
3 Min Read
Euronews Highlights Inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day
The following is an excerpt from a Euronews article highlighting the participation of Special Olympics athletes, staff and leadership at the inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day on 24 and 25 September 2025.
1 Min Read
Competition in Full Swing for the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
The tournament’s first 6 games set the tone for can be expected over the rest of the competition.
3 Min Read