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.
Remembering Giorgio Armani
The Special Olympics community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
1 Min Read
3x3 Unified Basketball World Cup Draw Sets First Round of Play
The Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup Draw Ceremony was held today in San Juan, Puerto Rico officially marking the start of the World Cup and setting the stage for what teams, spectators, families, and basketball fans around the world can expect for gameplay come 5 – 7 December.
2 Min Read
High School State Champion Will Compete in 2026 USA Games
Imagine lining up in front of 30,000 fans in Cessna Stadium to run a 15-second race. Most people who’ve grown up playing sports will never have the chance to experience anything like that.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics International Joins United Nations Football for the Goals Initiative
As one of the World’s leading football organizations for people with and without intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is proud to become a member of the United Nations Football For The Goals initiative.
1 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Fabricio Valdéz
When Fabricio first walked through the doors of an English institute in Mendoza, Argentina, he was searching for one thing: a way to improve his language skills.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Make History on Formula 1 Racecar
For the first time ever, Special Olympics athletes are featured on a Formula 1 racecar, part of the Visibility Drives Change initiative powered by TeamViewer, an official partner of Formula 1.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics and Optometry Giving Sight - A Partnership for Sight and Inclusion
From Kenya to the USA to Ghana, a global effort is reshaping vision care for people with intellectual disabilities.
5 Min Read
A Vision for a More Inclusive World
Once denied the chance to grow academically and personally, Alvaro found in Special Olympics a door that had long been closed to him.
2 Min Read
Now Open: Media Registration for Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
We’re excited to announce that media registration for the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025 is officially open! Members of the press and media professionals are invited to apply for accreditation to cover this global event.
1 Min Read
The Mirror Image Project: Special Olympics Athletes Shine as Global Icons
The Mirror Image Project is a social media campaign by Special Olympics that invites Special Olympics athletes to recreate famous photos of Special Olympics Global Ambassadors or celebrity supporters.
1 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Jordan Schubert
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired is a storytelling series that highlights the journeys of individuals who got their start with Special Olympics at a young age—and never looked back.
3 Min Read
Highlights to Headlines
RJ Nealon's journey with Special Olympics began with a letter. At just 10 years old, he reached out to the CEO of Special Olympics, eager to get involved. Now, RJ is working for Special Olympics athletes to find their voice.
2 Min Read