Athletes

A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Earlier this month, Special Olympics joined global sport leaders, researchers, and practitioners from around the world at the 5th World Association for Sport Management (WASM) Conference, held 3 – 6 March in Cape Town, South Africa. Under the theme “Global Visions, Local Actions: Innovation and Sustainability in Sport Management,” the conference fostered dialogue on sport governance, innovation, sustainability, and the social impact of sport, creating a collaborative space to exchange ideas and explore approaches to innovation and sustainability in sport management.

The athlete delegates chosen for the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress see themselves as leaders. Leading is what they intend to do before, during, and after the Congress in March. They know they’ve been empowered to discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges.

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.

Inclusive sports events in Cyprus, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain foster hope and belonging for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities

On this episode, ESPN Vice President of Corporate Citizenship Kevin Martinez and Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Advisor Gerald Mballe discuss ESPN’s global partnership with Special Olympics, its impact on athlete stories, inclusive sports programs for refugee youth and new initiatives like Take Back Sports to expand access to play.Download the TranscriptRead the Article

The Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports and Official Broadcaster for the Special Olympics USA and World Games, ESPN’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics continues to amplify athlete stories worldwide.

This episode features an inspiring conversation between host Novie Craven and Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. With nearly five decades of dedication to the movement, Mary shares her extraordinary journey, the evolution of Special Olympics and her vision for a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and athlete-centered leadership.

On December 11, 2025, leaders from the Special Olympics Early Childhood Development team successfully completed a 13-week Fellowship with the Georgetown University Thrive Center’s Innovation Hub.

Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, championing inclusion, building community, and driving impact every day.