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.
The Intersection Between Badminton & Autism
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated around the world on 2 April and designated by the United Nations to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
4 Min Read
Dr. Alicia Bazzano and Ann Costello Discuss Health and the Golisano Foundation on Inclusion Revolution Radio
Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Chief Health Officer at Special Olympics, and Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, joined the Inclusion Revolution Radio podcast alongside host Novie Craven.
1 Min Read
Michigan Volunteers “Treat” Customers with Cookies for a Cause
There’s a “sweet” business booming in Detroit these days.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Tania Wright Selected for USA Games in First Year Competing
Tania Wright was looking for activities to do with her best friend, Kimberly Henry, when she stumbled upon Special Olympics.
2 Min Read
What’s in a Name? For the Special Olympics North America Lifetime Achievement Award, It’s All About Longtime Coach Annette Lynch
A highly decorated Special Olympics coach, Annette Lynch has several favorite memories, but there is one in particular that stands out. Her Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 basketball team, the Dulles Cowboys, surprisingly qualified for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut.
4 Min Read
Advocate Jennifer Wardlow Is Making the World a Better Place for Fellow Special Olympics Athletes
Jennifer Wardlow loved collecting pins at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut. A staple of major Special Olympics competitions, the pins are designed to represent the athletes’ states and/or countries.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Gambia Making Headway in Africa
Over 5.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics programs around the world, and the number of nations with at least one Special Olympics chapter is constantly growing.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Faces of Basketball Reaches Audience of 418 Million
The website gathered training videos, events, profile cards and news stories on a unique platform to provide a hybrid online-offline experience of European Basketball Week 2021.
1 Min Read
Kayla Cornell Has a Message for Fellow Special Olympics Athletes: Let’s Get Healthy Together
Kayla Cornell is the head chef in her cooking class for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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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