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.
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
Chasing World Cup Gold with Finland's Mika Ahonen
For nearly three decades, volleyball has been more than just a sport for Special Olympics Finland athlete Mika Ahonen—it has been a source of challenge and connection.
3 Min Read
A Historic First: Meet Eight Top Athletes Taking to the Volleyball Court in Katowice
The inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup will see 8 women’s and 8 men’s/mixed teams competing for the title.
3 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Sangjin Kim
For as long as he can remember, Sangjin Kim loved football. Growing up in Korea, much of his free time was spent on the pitch.
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Athletes Revive like Pros with Toyota Motor Europe Recovery Rooms
The athletes competing at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice this October can expect to enjoy elite standard post-competition facilities with dedicated Recovery Rooms developed and supported by Toyota Motor Europe.
2 Min Read
Christy Sovereign is Leading the Charge for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The following is an article by FanSided, who interviewed Christy Sovereign, the CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games on her involvement with Special Olympics and the preparation of the Games.
5 Min Read
Behind the Mic: From Tennis Mishaps to Million-View Milestones
Host Novie Craven welcomes podcast producer Alex Padalino and Chris Bence to share the story behind the show’s creation, its impact and the role of partnership in building a platform for inclusion.
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Lighting the Way Series, Part 2: Parent Perspective
Family engagement is more than attending events—it’s about taking an active role in helping the development of Special Olympics athletes and Programs.
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Now Open: Media Registration for Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup Puerto Rico 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that media registration for the Special Olympics Unified 3X3 Basketball World Cup 2025 is officially open!
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Meet Special Olympics Mongolia Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Nara Altangere
Wife, mother of three, and former volleyball player, Naranchimeg Altangere, better known as Nara, is a physical education teacher and physical therapist at Special School 70, where she has been teaching and coaching for the past three years.
4 Min Read
Get to know Special Olympics Poland Men’s/Mixed Volleyball Head Coach Radek Łypczak
Special Olympics Poland’s Men/Mixed Volleyball Head Coach, Radek Łypczak, shared his background with volleyball and his coaching philosophy as he gears up to head to Katowice with his team next week for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup.
3 Min Read