Stories
These 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 Coaches Pave the Way for Women in Football With the Help of Nike
Over the past nine months, Nike sponsored a Coach+ initiative called the Nike Unified Football Leagues Development project, providing coaches with additional training and growth opportunities.
5 Min Read
Mourning Longtime Supporter Larry Lucchino
Special Olympics is mourning the passing of Larry Lucchino, a longtime supporter and former member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. He was an attorney and high-level sports executive, who served as president of the Baltimore Orioles, the San Diego Padres, and the Boston Red Sox.
1 Min Read
Athlete Leader James Steps Up to Run First London Marathon
Special Olympics Derbyshire athlete, coach and Athlete Leadership Team member James Wyatt is stepping out in search of another huge challenge by tackling the TCS London Marathon.
3 Min Read
“I consider myself an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities”: An interview with Pablo Composto, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
For World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the stories and efforts of our athletes for the promotion and advocacy of the full recognition of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder.
5 Min Read
Spread the Word Founders, Tim Shriver Jr. and Soeren Palumbo, Join Inclusion Revolution Radio to Celebrate 15 Years of Their Campaign
On this week’s episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio, podcast host Novie Craven spoke with Spread the Word co-founders, Tim Shriver Jr. and Soeren Palumbo.
1 Min Read
Award-Winning Documentary Follows 9-Year Old Ukrainian Refugee’s First Steps
The award-winning documentary "When We Get Home" by Kathleen Shriver and Walking Films is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of war on marginalized communities, with a particular focus on individuals with intellectual disabilities.
2 Min Read
New Sport Partnership Driving Special Olympics Golfers to the Game
The following is an article published by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on the growth and development of Special Olympics golfers and the sport of golf through Special Olympics’ partnership with Topgolf:
3 Min Read
Innovative Sports Partnership Creating Thousands of New Special Olympics Golfers
In 2023, Topgolf and Special Olympics joined forces in a new global partnership with one driving ambition – to get more Special Olympics golfers playing the game.
5 Min Read
European Union-Supported Safeguarding Project Concludes in Slovakia
Meetings held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 12 March marked the conclusion of the Special Olympics Operation Safeguard initiative, funded by the European Union's Erasmus+.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Finds Competitive Edge at NIRSA Flag Football Championships
It’s a cold and windy weekend in the quiet college town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, but despite it being winter break for Oklahoma State University, you can hear the cheers of students. The campus is playing host to the NIRSA Flag Football national championships, an opportunity for campus rec teams to come together and compete for the trophy and bragging rights. Among the competitors is a group of people truly committed to the inclusive power of sports: the seven teams in the Special Olympics College Club Unified division.
5 Min Read
Breaking Down Barriers: Special Olympics Jamaica's Story
On Windsor Road in Spanish Town, Jamaica, two schools on the same street are separated by a chain-link fence.
3 Min Read
The Olympics Celebrate Special Olympics Mother During World Down Syndrome Day
On World Down Syndrome Day 2024, Special Olympics athletes, families, coaches and staff were being celebrated just as much as they were celebrating.
1 Min Read