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.
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.
2 Min Read
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.
1 Min Read
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.
4 Min Read
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!
1 Min Read
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
International Council for Coaching Excellence’s Global Coaches Day: Get to Know the Unified Volleyball World Cup Coaches
Special Olympics is once again joining the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) on their Global Coaches Day 2025 to say thank you to all the coaches around the world who make Special Olympics sport programming possible!
1 Min Read
Learn about Special Olympics Namibia Women’s Volleyball Coach Kristofina Bartromeus
Kristofina Bartromeus, is using her background (playing/working) in volleyball and her education on coaching people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to prepare herself to coach her team in Poland for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup.
2 Min Read
Cole Sibus Stars in Another Hit TV Series
Special Olympics Southern California athlete Cole Sibus stars in the hit Netflix show A Thousand Tomorrows.
1 Min Read