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.
Building Healthier, Inclusive Schools Through the Special Olympics Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle Groups in Schools Project
Learn how this EU-funded Special Olympics project has been transforming the lives of students with and without intellectual disabilities in Europe for the past three years.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics North America Programs Highlight Healthy Athletes Screenings
Competing in sports at your highest potential requires more than just hard work and determination.
3 Min Read
From Gymnastics to the Big Screen
Magnus first stepped into a gymnastics class at just six years old.
2 Min Read
Advocating, Inspiring, and Leading with Confidence
Margaret Turley, a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, recently had the opportunity to travel internationally, visiting both Brussels and New York, and she brought her passion for inclusion and health advocacy wherever she went.
1 Min Read
Six Majors, One Message: More Than a Marathon
In this episode, Novie Craven sits down with Thomas Cantara, a Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete who has completed all six World Marathon Majors—Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York City and Tokyo.
1 Min Read
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Special Olympics Athletes in the Workplace
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive employment.
3 Min Read
Thrills and Triumphs at the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed) both won gold, each team bringing its own energy to the tournament.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics and UPS Extend Global Collaboration to December 2026
Renewed engagement includes a USD 310,000 grant supporting inclusive programming across five regions.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger Valentino Vergotine Speaks at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin
“We have to focus on the invisible—the invisible challenges to health services and invisible people, like me.”
3 Min Read
A Landmark Week for Inclusion: Middle East & Africa MATP Coach Training and Health Forum
From October 1 – 5, 2025, Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (SOMENA) hosted the first-ever Continental MATP Coach Training Seminar and Family Health Forum in Abu Dhabi.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Is Leading Change in Healthcare
When Melony Salla, a Special Olympics Indiana athlete, walks into a doctor’s office, she wants to be treated like what she is, the expert on her own body.
2 Min Read