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 Mali Surprise Wins their First Basketball Gold, and So Much More
It’s the third quarter of their first match, and their opposing team has yet to feature on the scoreboard.
2 Min Read
Breaking Boundaries with Sport
Mariam Sylla powerfully smashes the table tennis ball across the table. She looks extremely concentrated and focuses all her energy on the game.
1 Min Read
Opening a Door to the World from Special Olympics Lesotho
Before Special Olympics, he wouldn’t have dreamed of stepping up to a podium stage to celebrate winning a medal.
2 Min Read
A Life Pace
Special Olympics Athlete Kamogelo Moncho, 28, South Africa, is bringing home a gold medal in the men's 5000m and a bronze medal in the 1500m but it is the sport itself that brings him the most pride.
1 Min Read
Record Number of Africa Ministers at Games
A record number of government ministries from Africa Region were represented at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.
1 Min Read
A Tale of Two Goalkeepers as Kenya Women’s Football Team Clinches Gold
“All Inclusive,” goalkeeper Marystella Ndolwa, one of the athletes profiled in the film, was hesitant to make any predictions about Special Olympics Kenya women’s football/soccer team’s upcoming match.
1 Min Read
Guatemalan Soccer Star Leads Special Olympics Guatemala Futsal Team to Gold in Berlin
Renowned Guatemalan national team member and international soccer player, Maria Fernanda Rossell, is making an impact on and off the pitch as a coach at Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read
Bikes Across Borders
On the surface, cycling may seem like an individual sport, but it takes a team to get competitors across the finish line.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics & the International Hockey Federation Sign Partnership in Berlin to Celebrate the Introduction of Hockey as a Sport at World Games
On 24 June 2023, Special Olympics and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) took to the pitch to pen an inaugural agreement between the two organizations.
1 Min Read
Head-to-Head in Judo
“It feels wonderful!” That’s what Mostafa Abdelmaguid from Special Olympics Egypt had to say about participating in his first World Games.
1 Min Read
Caroline Tangitau Sweeps Silver in Powerlifting
Caroline Tangitau traveled more than 11,027 miles/17,500 km from New Zealand to Germany to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 in women’s powerlifting.
1 Min Read
Sana Won’t Stop Running or Smiling
Sana (she only has one name like Madonna) was all smiles before her 400m Level C preliminary race at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
2 Min Read