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.
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
Gothia Special Olympics Trophy 2025 Wraps Up in Gothenburg
25 teams from 16 nations bring energy to the 50th edition of the annual football event in Sweden.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces the 2025 – 2027 Global Youth Leadership Council
In celebration of International Youth Day, Special Olympics is proud to announce the newly selected 2025 – 2027 Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC).
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Sport in Color
Special Olympics Singapore athlete Noah Tan has forged a career in visual arts, but his 12 years as a bowler helped his craft in a curious way.
2 Min Read
Advocates in Action: Special Olympics Health Messenger Trainings
This summer, Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North America teamed up to host two Health Messenger training sessions in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, KS, training 26 athletes from 10 states.
2 Min Read
Football For All: Special Olympics and UEFA Mark 26 Years of Partnership at UEFA Fan Festivals Across Europe
Football stands as one of the most beloved team sports among Special Olympics athletes across Europe and Eurasia, and UEFA’s support has been instrumental in elevating these opportunities ever since the establishment of our partnership in 1999.
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Special Olympics Africa Region Uses Education to Expand Inclusive Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics is spotlighting the importance of sport and education in the Special Olympics Africa Region as it creates opportunities for those with and without intellectual disabilities to experience the benefits of sport as it pertains to health, well-being, and fitness.
3 Min Read
Mandela Day: Honoring a Legacy of Inclusion through Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics celebrates the power of partnership and sport to drive lasting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
2 Min Read