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Athlete Leadership

A group of Special Olympics Gambia athletes pose together.
Athletes

Special Olympics Gambia Making Headway in Africa

Over 5.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics programs around the world, and the number of nations with at least one Special Olympics chapter is constantly growing.
1 Min Read
A Special Olympics athlete stands in a kitchen. She's cutting vegetables.
Athletes

Kayla Cornell Has a Message for Fellow Special Olympics Athletes: Let’s Get Healthy Together

Kayla Cornell is the head chef in her cooking class for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
4 Min Read
Two men stand next to a display case with a yellow jersey inside. They smile for the camera.
Athletes

The College Football Hall of Fame Honors Special Olympics Athlete Caden Cox

His No. 21 Hocking College football uniform—a nod to the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome—is folded neatly in a standalone display.
3 Min Read
A group of people pose for a photo. They are smiling at the camera and holding certificates.
Blog

Karen Milligan Inspires and Supports Me

I first met Karen Milligan about fifteen years ago at beginner Special Olympics Athlete Leadership training. Even though Karen is smaller in stature than a lot of us attending, I noticed right away that she had a big personality. She was warm and friendly. It was clear that she really loved Special Olympics. For years now, I’ve had many experiences alongside Karen. Her personality and her actions make me feel a part of a larger family, the Special Olympics family.
3 Min Read
A Special Olympics athlete stands arm in arm with a woman. They are both wearing black dresses and smiling at the camera.
Blog

My Legendary World Class Mother

A woman in my life who has had a large impact on me.
2 Min Read
A Special Olympics athlete smiles at the camera. Next to her photo is the Special Olympics Washington logo.
Athletes

Athlete Kelly Campbell Makes History as First Special Olympics Washington Athlete to be Named Board Chair

Having been involved with the organization for over three decades in a variety of areas, Campbell is set to become the first athlete to be named board chair for the Program.
4 Min Read
A Special Olympics athlete sits behind a table covered in a red cloth. In front of her are video cameras and computer monitors. She smiles at the camera.
Athletes

Special Olympics Alaska Athlete Uses Platform to Promote Healthy Lifestyle

Abdul-Jillil gets ready to host her "Afternoons with Ayesha" segment, helping athletes stay fit and connected virtually.
4 Min Read
Two Special Olympics athletes pose for a picture.
Blog

Lessons From 2021 Move Us Closer to An Inclusive 2022

Some people may be glad that 2021 is in the past and happily threw the December 2021 calendar page into the recycling bin. It was a year of extra challenges for everybody and divisiveness about how to meet these challenges. But all was not lost when it comes to the Inclusion Revolution movement.
2 Min Read
Four people appear on a Zoom screen.
Community Impact

Two Members of National Work Team Share Bond Forged Through Special Olympics

Special Olympics brings people together, even when they least expect it. For Mercy Ogutu and Britney Bautista, who live across the country from each other, Special Olympics is exactly how their connection began .
2 Min Read
A Special Olympics swimming athlete stands with his dad at a competition. They have their arms around each other and are smiling at the camera.
Community Impact

Chris Meservey Uses a Teach-First Approach to Coaching

For over three decades, Chris Meservey has shared his blissfulness with everyone he meets within Special Olympics Nevada and beyond. By career choice, he teaches public speaking at the high school level but stemming from his love of sports, he coaches basketball and swimming.
5 Min Read
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