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.
Activating Together: Youth Leaders' Journey to Inclusive Change
Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities at the 2023 Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Summit in Berlin, Germany, united by a common goal of fostering inclusion and understanding, believed that actions spoke louder than words.
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Special Olympics Addresses the Issue of Tobacco Use and its Impact on People with Disabilities on The GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
Special Olympics aims to provide inclusive strategies with National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) that address challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live smokefree and choose health.
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Chile Enters Final Stage of 2027 Special Olympics World Games Bid
Santiago, Chile has advanced to the final stage of host evaluation for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games.
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Special Olympics Calls for Inclusive Access to Diabetes Care on World Diabetes Day
Special Olympics is dedicated to closing the healthcare divide for individuals with IDD by highlighting the significance of diabetes care accessibility and advocating for greater health equity.
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Kayleigh Williamson Completes the 2023 New York City Marathon
Among the racers was Special Olympics Texas runner Kayleigh Williamson who made history as one of the first women with Down syndrome to complete the NYC Marathon (10:09:11).
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20 Years of Sports And Inclusivity: Special Olympics Romania's Momentous Anniversary Celebration
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis extends congratulations and support for Special Olympics Romania athletes at reception with SOEE delegation
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Zhou Guanyu Celebrates Special Olympics in Article by The Players’ Tribune
Our Global Ambassador and #F1 superstar Zhou Guanyu is driving the #InclusionRevolution forwards at lightning speed! Read his compelling and candid story in his own words in The Players’ Tribune.
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Special Olympics Romania Embraces Inclusive Support for Ukrainian Refugees through Unified with Refugees Initiative
Representatives of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, SO Romania, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency held a collaborative meeting in Bucharest to explore ways to amplify support for refugees.
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Special Olympics International staff member Jason Rogers Honored with Prestigious Laura Lee Leadership Award
On Thursday, October 26th Jason Rogers was honored with the national Laura Lee Leadership Award.
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Trying to Rebound after COVID-19
One Special Olympics club in Kenya struggles to increase athlete and coach participation to pre-Covid levels two years after the end of the lockdown.
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From Athlete to Coach—A Dream Chasing Story Spanning 40 Years
This excerpt is from Human Race’s article, “From Athlete to Coach – A Dream Chasing Story Spanning 40 Years.”
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Special Olympics Awarded Pardes Humanitarian Prize for Recognizing Global Efforts in Advancing Inclusive Mental Health Programs
The prestigious Pardes Humanitarian Prize was awarded to Special Olympics to recognize efforts in raising awareness about the mental health needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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