Athlete Leadership

Eighteen leaders from six Caribbean islands gathered together in Saint Kitts and Nevis, not in a massive conference hall, but in a space built for conversation, honesty, and growth.

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.

The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.

At the 2026 World Health Assembly, Pearl Lüthy, Special Olympics Switzerland athlete and World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 Athlete Ambassador called on health care workers around the world to improve communication and advance inclusive health policies and practices.

Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.

The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.

For one week in June, Special Olympics athletes from across the United States will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. While the athletes will get most of the spotlight, and rightfully so, for their athletic achievements, there’s another distinct group of indivdiuals with intellectual disabilities coming to the USA Games.

Shane Yan Wen Yu has learned that football is more than just a game, it’s a source of identity, purpose, and growth.

At Special Olympics, athletes are at the core of our leadership. Their voice and example guide the movement in every way. That’s why we are thrilled to announce Loretta Claiborne as our new Senior Advisor to the CEO, Athlete Experience.

At Special Olympics, athletes are at the core of our leadership. Their voice and example guide the movement in every way. That’s why we are thrilled to announce Loretta Claiborne as our new Senior Advisor to the CEO, Athlete Experience.