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.
Slovakia’s Rising Star: Šimon Jakuš Shines on Court AND on Stage!
On day two of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025, Šimon and Team Slovakia took on Austria once again, securing a decisive 2:0 victory.
2 Min Read
Inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day: Athlete Voices Echo in Heart of Europe
The inaugural Special Olympics European Union (EU) Day, a flagship event of the European Week of Sport, saw almost 200 athletes, coaches and staff take Brussels by storm as they raised their voices at the European Parliament and the European Commission on 24 and 25 September.
3 Min Read
Day 2 of the Unified Volleyball World Cup in the Books – Up Next
Day 2 of competition at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland from 5-8 October brought a mix of emotions for all 16 competing teams as some rose to the top of their groups and others fell.
2 Min Read
Hope in Every Serve: How Volleyball Inspires Nataliia Vyhivska’s Dreams
DayNataliia Vyhivska and her team played to win in Katowice, beating Team Mongolia 2-0 (25-11, 25-20). “When I’m on the court, everything else disappears."
3 Min Read
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.
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