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.
"They Make You Feel Different—It's Fantastic"
Special Olympics transforms lives through the power and joy of sport every day around the world.
And the Rising Star Award Goes To…
Special Olympics Rhode Island coach Lindsey Smith has always been drawn to sports.
3 Min Read
Serving Up Inclusion: Badminton for All in New Zealand
One of badminton’s greatest features is that it truly is a sport for all. Partners in the sport of badminton recognized this important feature in New Zealand.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces Draw for First-Ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in December
200 athletes from around the world will compete in this historic event.
3 Min Read
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