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Africa

Graphic: Women at the Heart of Special Olympics. Female Participation: Turin 2025 45.6%; Berlin 2023 48.1%; Abu Dhabi 2019 41%; Austria 2017 31.2%. Goal is 50:50. Special Olympics has been steadily moving toward achieving a 50:50 gender balance among participating athletes in the World Games.
Community Impact

Women at the Heart of Special Olympics: Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout  history who have shaped our past and are shaping our future.
1 Min Read
Youth leaders sit along two summit rows. Their desks have microphones and name tags. They are smiling.
Athletes

Youth Leadership in Africa is Making News

Across Africa, young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities are stepping into the global spotlight and the world is paying attention. From Regional summits to global platforms, young Special Olympics leaders are not waiting for change; they are leading it.
2 Min Read
Three young women sitting at a round table talking.
In the News

Women Play, Women Lead

A significant leadership gap remains across Special Olympics globally. There are 50,739 Athlete Leaders worldwide, with 34.6% more men serving in these roles than women. The Women Play, Women Lead initiative is working to address this issue.
7 Min Read
A group picture of about 130 people standing in rows for a group photo.
Press Releases

Empowering the Next Generation: Special Olympics Is Scaling Youth Leadership Globally

[Johannesburg, South Africa - 24 February 2026] Today, the Special Olympics Africa Regional Youth Leadership Summit kicked off in Johannesburg, bringing together youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build leadership skills and strengthen youth-led change across schools and communities.
2 Min Read
Football match with a player in a blue jersey entering the penalty area to shoot, while a player in a red shirt attempts to block him.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Initiative Expands with European Union Support

Inclusive sports events in Cyprus, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain foster hope and belonging for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities
1 Min Read
Footballers on the field going after the ball.
Press Releases

24 Teams Announced to Compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.
4 Min Read
Outside on a sunny day, David Evangelista shakes hands with a female athlete standing on a medal podium.
In the News

Sports Business Journal Dedicates Four Articles to Special Olympics in One Issue

New CEO David Evangelista, Board Chair Timothy Shriver, Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria, Regional President & Managing Director, Latin America Claudia Echeverry, and Special Olympics Board Member and Athlete Leader, Kiera Byland BEM featured in expansive series of articles.
1 Min Read
During a game, a player leaps for the ball as his opponents and teammates look up.
Athletes

On the Break: Namibia’s Moses Fredericks Makes His Mark

The pace was relentless, the shot clock unforgiving. Namibia’s Day 1 matchup against Germany revealed the intensity of 3x3 Basketball.
1 Min Read
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In the News

Special Olympics Angola Soars with Manchester City

Special Olympics Angola unveils a thrilling partnership with Manchester City and global appliance group Midea to create a common football space in the city of Luanda
2 Min Read
The First Lady of The Gambia stands in the center holding a red Special Olympics ball with Special Olympics representatives.
Community Impact

A National Promise of Belonging: The Gambia Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion

Ministry of Youth and Sports formalizes agreement to advance inclusive sport and education
2 Min Read
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