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.
“It’s an Unforgettable Experience”: Toyota Motor Europe Volunteers at Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026
Mercedes Navarro Puig and Maciej Fran were among nine Toyota Motor Europe (TME) volunteers who travelled to Malmö to lend their time, energy and skills to the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026. They reflect on the power of the experience and the impact of volunteering with Special Olympics.
2 Min Read
“It is All About Inclusion” – Toyota Motor Europe Support for Sweden Invitational Games 2026
The Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026, which concluded on Sunday, is yet another flagship event in our region that Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has put considerable support behind.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics European Open Swimming Competition Malta 2026 to Champion Inclusion Through Sport
Malta to welcome athletes from across Europe and beyond for a major international swimming event from 10 to 14 September 2026
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Optometry Giving Sight Support Helps Train New Opening Eyes Clinical Directors
With support from Optometry Giving Sight, three trainees from Special Olympics Nevada, Tennessee, and Florida completed a Clinical Director Train-the-Trainer program at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games from 18-20 June in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2 Min Read
2,000 Athletes, 26 Nations, 11 Sports: Bring on Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026!
The Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026 will be officially opened in Folkets Park, Malmö, marking the largest sporting event ever held in Sweden for people with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: North America
Nikilani Rojas of Special Olympics Hawaii is someone who makes things happen by leading others and following through.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: Middle East / North Africa
An intensive training program focused on leadership, inclusion, and personal development awaited members of the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: Latin America
At a book fair in Guatemala City in mid-2024, Athlete Leader Daniel Guerra was doing what he does well, telling the story of people with intellectual disabilities and the barriers they face.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: Europe Eurasia
She had a keynote speech to give. She was in an unfamiliar city for just a few hours. Bright spotlights shined upon her. In a grand meeting room, 350 leaders from across Europe faced her.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: East Asia
XiaoBai had an hours-long journey tolast year’s training in Beijing, simply because the city is so big. The 2025 training voyage was longer still.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: Asia Pacific
Members of the new Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council had several days of onboarding training in July 2025.
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Regional Athlete Leaders: Africa
When the Special Olympics Namibia Board of Directors needed to send a delegate to a major regional conference, they chose Athlete Leader Felicity Van der Heever.
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