Down Syndrome

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.