Abu Dhabi 2019

Rehan grew up in a part of Libya where people with Down syndrome face widespread discrimination in education, training, and even medical care. Early on, her family had to cope with stigma and her rejection from society.

It's been a hard road for Ella to become a cycling champion—literally. At age six, she had a traumatic fall from her bike; for years, the fear of falling and of the pain never left her. Ella, who has Down syndrome, was terrified and would shake with fear at even the suggestion of a bike ride.

Anas Al-Zerba has made a name for himself as a role model for people with intellectual disabilities, for people with Down syndrome—and for everybody else!

Taylor MacKenzie sees sports as a great equalizer: when she’s in the water she doesn’t feel any different from other people.

Ranveer made headlines in his local papers in 2015 when he became the first Bharat athlete to win a gold medal in golf at a World Games competition.

One of Team Australia’s youngest athletes, 16-year-old Karen Messmer has overcome much adversity already.

Hamad Al-Ahbabi is excited to be competing in his first World Games—and he has worked hard for this opportunity.

Clari Lehmkuhl is a longtime trailblazer for inclusion, starting in grade school.

Jaime Cruz Juscamaita wants to build a better world for people with intellectual disabilities—one play, one speech, one competition at a time.

These days, Reginald Fong is upbeat and chatty. It’s hard to imagine that he used to be shy and withdrawn, rarely communicating with others.