Asia Pacific

Ben Haack is a renaissance man. He’s a Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Australia (including several board assignments), a football (soccer) player and now, he’s added the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments.

[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.

When the Philippines joined the Global Coalition for Inclusion, it marked a significant milestone for the Asia Pacific region and reinforced a growing commitment to inclusive education.

Meet Hafiyyan, a Special Olympics badminton player from Malaysia whose lifelong love for the sport has helped him grow in confidence and purpose.

Jocelyn is a leader whose presence brightens the bowling alley.

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.

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.

[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.

Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) signed a landmark MoU with Special Olympics Bhutan, outlining a long-term vision to expand Unified Champion Schools® programming.

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.