Athletes

Everyone needs a hero. Someone they look up to and strive to be like. A person who defies all odds and is courageous in the attempt as they transcend obstacles in their way. To many, a hero is someone they know—someone who demonstrates, every day, what it takes to live in a way that transforms others. The Special Olympics Meet the Heroes video series features Special Olympics athletes who are exactly that: heroes within their sport and community, who have become heroes to the global inclusive movement.

Experience the future of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Switzerland 2029. From March 10–17, athletes and coaches from 100+ countries will unite in Switzerland for one of the world’s largest winter sports events celebrating inclusion, equality, and international unity.

Now available to stream on YouTube is the new Dutch documentary Meer Dan Meedoen (More Than Just Participating) following Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne.

As the Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress Chair, Kiera Byland has helped ensure athlete voices are heard at the highest levels of the movement.

Special Olympics Texas Equestrian Faith Smyth is featured in the documentary Where the Horse Heal the Soul recently released on streaming platforms.

SO Bharat (India) secured a proud second-place finish in the Division 3 final at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, taking home silver after a 1-0 defeat to Special Olympics Spain.

The tournament culminated on Saturday with Division 1 finals at Charléty Stadium, where Special Olympics Libya captured the men’s title and Special Olympics Guatemala successfully defended its women’s crown.

Following their semifinal match, the Special Olympics Côte d’Ivoire Women's team was visited by football legend and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Didier Drogba.

Special Olympics Slovakia finished fourth in the Division 1 competition after a dramatic Bronze medal match ended in a 4–4 tie, with SO Thailand securing the medal with a 3–1 penalty victory.

The women’s Special Olympics Guatemala team and the men’s Special Olympics Jamaica squad look to capture the championship titles for the second time in a row.