Africa
A Second Chance at Life
A powerful story of how the Special Olympics Unified with Refugees initiative offers refugee children with intellectual disabilities a pathway from exclusion to belonging.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes React to AI Bias Study Led by Special Olympics
Special Olympics Athlete-Spokespersons see dangers and opportunities highlighted in a new study on how AI reinforces subtle but widespread bias against those with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
A Second Chance at Life
Joel fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found refuge in Uganda. As a young person with an intellectual disability, he faced isolation and exclusion—until he discovered Special Olympics Unified Sports.Read the full story
Sport at the Heart of Social Inclusion and Education: Niger Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Ministry of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity commits to boosting inclusive sport and education in Niger
2 Min Read
Inclusive Sports for Every Student: Sierra Leone Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Ministry of Youth Affairs commits to advance inclusive sport and education in Sierra Leone
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Expands Through Grant From Olympic Refuge Foundation
Funding will enable World Refugee Day 2026 activities in Slovakia, Spain and Uganda, strengthening inclusion through sport for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities
2 Min Read
Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics Showcase Power of Inclusive Sport
South Africa Broadcast Corporation covered the innovative collaboration between Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics where the League hosted a Unified match up during a quarter of one of a BAL game. The following is an excerpt from the article titled BAL and Special Olympics showcase power of inclusive sport in SA:
1 Min Read
France To Face Senegal in Opening Match of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.
4 Min Read
Move More, Live Healthier Lives: Special Olympics Health Messengers, Fitness Captains, and Coaches Inspiring Their Communities to Get Moving
On World Day for Physical Activity, we’re highlighting Athlete Leaders and a coach who have taken on a variety of leadership roles to empower athletes to stay active year-round. Get to know them!
6 Min Read
2026 Africa Region Leadership Conference
The Special Olympics Africa Region hosted its 22nd annual Africa Leadership Conference, welcoming 110 delegates from 38 Special Olympics Programs across the continent for four days of collaboration, learning, and strategic alignment. The conference took place in Johannesburg from March 23 to March 26, 2026.
2 Min Read