Athlete Leadership
Special Olympics Athletes Advocate on Capitol Hill
From February 9 – 10, in Washington, D.C., Special Olympics athletes from 49 U.S. Programs attended more than 365 meetings with their members of Congress, advocating for continued partnership to support the organization’s work in health and education.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Honour 50th Anniversary of Nadia Comăneci’s “Perfect 10” at European Parliament Event
Special Olympics athletes, Celine and Ionut, were among guest speakers at a recent special event in the European Parliament to honour the amazing career of Special Olympics Global Ambassador Nadia Comăneci – and the power of inclusive sport.
2 Min Read
North America's Athlete Leaders are Ready to Take on Big Challenges
Before, during, and after the Congress in March; athlete leaders know they’ve been empowered to lead and discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges.
3 Min Read
Youth Leadership in Africa is Making News
From Regional summits to global platforms, young Special Olympics leaders are not waiting for change; they are leading it.
2 Min Read
Athlete Leaders Step Up for a Historic Regional Athlete Congress
Talk a little with the athlete leaders going to the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress in Michigan, and you will notice they have some things in common.
4 Min Read
Women Play, Women Lead
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
Magnús Captures the Spirit of Sport in Cyprus
When Sports Directors gathered in Cyprus for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports Conference in October 2025, the focus was on strengthening sport, expanding opportunity, and shaping the future of Special Olympics.
2 Min Read
Empowering the Next Generation
When Wenli first learned about Special Olympics, it wasn’t through a school program or a family connection, it was through a simple post on social media.
2 Min Read
From Gymnastics to the Big Screen
Magnus first stepped into a gymnastics class at just six years old.
2 Min Read