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 Morrocco Launches a National Coalition
Special Olympics Morocco launches a national coalition dedicated to championing equal, inclusive, and dignified healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
1 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Polina Finds Meaning Through Sport in Romania
13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!
2 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Olubunmi’s Story of Healing and Hope in Madrid
This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Olubunmi and her family—originally from Nigeria and now living in Madrid, Spain—who have used the power of sport, dance and music to bring health, healing and enduring hope into their lives.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Norway Athletes Honored by Prince Sverre Magnus
Special Olympics Norway athletes who competed in Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 were honored in a reception in Oslo by Prince Sverre Magnus on 28 May for their achievements in sport.
1 Min Read
The Transformative Power of Fatherhood and Special Olympics
Today, Special Olympics is looking back at all the fathers, father-figures, and grandfathers who, through the power of sport, have helped raise, support, coach, and love Special Olympics athletes around the world.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Youth Leadership Council Elects New Members
New generation of changemakers from across the region is ready to champion youth empowerment for the 2025 – 2026 period.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger David Duncan Gives Opening Remarks at the Launch of the WHO’s Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations
Today, Special Olympics is looking back at all the fathers, father-figures, and grandfathers who, through the power of sport, have helped raise, support, coach, and love Special Olympics athletes around the world.
2 Min Read
A Full Court of Smiles, Special Olympics Iraq Learns the Importance of Oral Health at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®
For the Special Olympics Iraq floorball team, success isn’t just measured by earning medals, it’s also about taking every opportunity to improve their health.
2 Min Read
Celebrating the Power of Play on International Day of Play
This International Day of Play, Special Olympics is celebrating the joyful, inclusive, and powerful impact of play in the lives of children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
3 Min Read
Through the Lens in Turin
The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy was an incredible experience that yielded thousands of magnificent moments.
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Alex Leimsider’s Journey from Budapest to Judo Gold
At just 17 years old, the Special Olympics Hungary judoka topped the podium at the Special Olympics Judo Festival in Switzerland.
1 Min Read
Seeing Success: Ji-Hua Li's Journey to Improved Vision at the Special Olympics World Winter Games
Special Olympics Chinese-Taipei athlete Ji-Hua knew the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 would be a transformative athletic opportunity, but beyond her goals for competition, she also had a secondary mission: improving her vision.
4 Min Read