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.
Special Olympics and Soccerex Commit to Making Football Inclusive for All
Last month at Soccerex Miami, Special Olympics International and Soccerex signed their renewed four-year partnership agreement with a focus on their shared commitment to use football as a tool for inclusion.
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"They Make You Feel Different—It's Fantastic"
Special Olympics transforms lives through the power and joy of sport every day around the world.
World Media Takes Notice of Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
Hearts are still pounding, full of the excitement from the first ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from 5 – 7 December 2025. Skill, sportsmanship and inclusion took center stage and the global media took notice. Here is a sample of the coverage.
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FanSided Article Unearths Team Morocco’s Grit
Fanside followed their journey in an article titled Morocco makes a statement at the Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup.
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Australia’s Unified 3x3 Team Shows Heart and Hustle
At the 3x3 Basketball World Cup in San Juan, team Australia has been turning heads with its combination of speed, skill, and teamwork—aided by player Jordan McCormick, bringing passion and infectious enthusiasm to every play.
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Unity on the Half-Court: Saudi Arabia’s Journey Unfolds in San Juan
Special Olympics Saudi Arabia entered the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup with a mission grounded in competitive drive.
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Fast Break Rising: Chilean Brothers Surge into San Juan’s 3x3 Showdown
Brothers at the Heart of Chile’s 3x3 Goal
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Yo soy Boricua, Pa´que tú lo sepas
Frances Ocasio, 19-year-old Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete is proudly representing her island, the host country, at the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup. Today she is confident, focused, and determined, but her path to the team was not easy.
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Jamaican Player Debuts on the Global Stage at the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
At just 19 years old, Jamaican born 3x3 Basketball player Makayla Williams is already showing the world what determination looks like. She joined her Special Olympics program two years ago, driven by her love for basketball and the joy of competing alongside her teammates.
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Honoring Frank Gehry
The Special Olympics family extends heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of famed architect Frank Gehry, who passed away on 5 December 2025 at the age of 96.
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Historic Hoops: San Juan Hosts the First-Ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
Players and teams across San Juan, Puerto Rico, woke up energised after last night’s spectacular Opening Ceremony that officially launched the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup. From 5 – 7 December, 180 players from 27 countries will take to the courts at Distrito T-Mobile, carrying not only speed and strategy, but a shared purpose that defines Unified Sports.
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2025 Special Olympics Holiday Card
A very special thank you to all members of the Special Olympics movement this holiday season.