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.
Kayleigh Williamson Completes the 2023 New York City Marathon
On 5 November, the 53rd running of the New York City Marathon commenced when more than 50,000 people raced from Staten Island towards the finish line in Central Park, 26.2 miles away. 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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Fitness Role Model for All: Meet Clari
Clari Lehmkuhl is a longtime trailblazer for inclusion, starting in grade school.
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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.
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World Games Spotlight: Rabah Knio, Lebanon
Josee was still riding high from her multi-medal achievements at Canada's 2018 National Games when she was chosen for the 2019 World Games.
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