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Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the term for a set of cognitive and physical symptoms that can result from having an extra copy or part of a copy of chromosome 21.

Basketball in Iceland: From Lay Ups to Lifelong Friendships That Turned into Family

In a small country with a population of less than 400,000 people, there is a family with 32 children. They hang out together, hold pizza parties, chat, laugh, but most of all, they play basketball.
4 Min Read

Kayleigh Williamson Completes the 2023 New York City Marathon

Among the racers was Special Olympics Texas runner Kayleigh Williamson who made history as one of the first women with Down syndrome to complete the NYC Marathon (10:09:11).
1 Min Read

A Special Olympics Story: Chris Nikic

More than a Special Olympics Florida athlete and Ambassador, more than the first person with Down syndrome to become an IRONMAN and landing in the Guinness World Records, more than finishing the New York and Boston Marathons, and more than winning ESPY and Laureus Awards.

“Happiness and Pride Through Sports”—Li Xiang’s Story

In China, people with intellectual disabilities can face stigma from the moment of diagnosis.
1 Min Read

Once Excluded, Ablaye Is Now ‘One of Us’

Ablaye Ndiaye is one of the stars of his neighborhood in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Yet, years ago, he was mostly an outcast due to negative beliefs and stereotypes about people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read

World Games Spotlight: Rehan Ali, Libya

Rehan grew up in a part of Libya where people with Down syndrome face widespread discrimination in education, training, and even medical care. Early on, her family had to cope with stigma and her rejection from society.
1 Min Read

World Games Spotlight: Ella Curtis, Great Britain

It's been a hard road for Ella to become a cycling champion—literally. At age six, she had a traumatic fall from her bike; for years, the fear of falling and of the pain never left her. Ella, who has Down syndrome, was terrified and would shake with fear at even the suggestion of a bike ride.
1 Min Read

World Games Spotlight: Anas Khalil Al-Zerba, Palestine

Anas Al-Zerba has made a name for himself as a role model for people with intellectual disabilities, for people with Down syndrome—and for everybody else!
1 Min Read

Fitness Role Model for All: Meet Clari

Clari Lehmkuhl is a longtime trailblazer for inclusion, starting in grade school.
1 Min Read

Jaime Cruz: Actor, Activist, World Games Competitor!

Jaime Cruz Juscamaita wants to build a better world for people with intellectual disabilities—one play, one speech, one competition at a time.
1 Min Read