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 Canada Athlete Excels in Gym & Kitchen
Special Olympics Canada athlete Michael Bandler, a four-time SO World Games medalist, has a passion for the culinary arts and uses his skills in the kitchen to help him train.
2 Min Read
Isaac’s Story: Athlete Advocate for the WHO QualityRights Initiative in Ghana
For many years, there have been human-rights violations—plus inadequate care and support—that deeply affected the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Ghana.
1 Min Read
Athlete Finds Health, Motivation in Virtual Fitness
Amber Gertsch has a passion for everything she does—taking care of her red-tail hawk, sword-fighting, being an emergency medical technician—but some things stand out more than others.
2 Min Read
Healthy Athletes Gives Xu Better Footing for Sports, Life
Xu has always been ready to try—even if things get tough. He was born with cerebral palsy, so sometimes it took him a little longer to reach his growth milestones. But Xu, who was born in Inner Mongolia, didn't give up.
1 Min Read
Thea Weinert Forms Bond with UNC Gymnastics Team, Gains a Newfound Level of Confidence
Thea Weinert loves to do backflips. The 12-year-old especially loves it when her teammates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill help her. “I love to hang out with the girls,” Weinert says. “Gymnastics is one of my favorite sports because of the girls—and it just makes me happy seeing them.”
2 Min Read
The College Football Hall of Fame Honors Special Olympics Athlete Caden Cox
His No. 21 Hocking College football uniform—a nod to the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome—is folded neatly in a standalone display.
3 Min Read
World Down Syndrome Day: Hadbaa’s Journey
Read about Hadbaa’s story joining Special Olympics Singapore in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.
1 Min Read
More than an IRONMAN
In a new documentary, Chris Nikic takes you behind the scenes to see how he balances training, community and his personal life.
1 Min Read
Washington Post Profiles Three Special Olympics Athletes with Down Syndrome
The following is an excerpt by The Washington Post from the article titled, For World Down Syndrome Day, meet 3 young people who dream big and achieve.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Super Bowl LVI Media Recap
For the ninth consecutive year Special Olympics capitalized on the environment as a massive storytelling platform for the movement despite a shift primarily to a virtual setting.
1 Min Read
Seeing Double: Novie Craven Catches Up with The Chin Twins
Novie Craven catches up with the Chin Twins in a fun interview.
1 Min Read
Li Na Inspires Special Olympics Athletes at Macau Tennis Academy
Professional tennis player Li Na inspires Special Olympics athletes at Macau Tennis Academy.
1 Min Read