ESPN

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.

New Memorandum of Understanding expands the Unified with Refugees project, harnessing the power of sport to promote opportunities for displaced communities and people with intellectual disabilities alike.

This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Olubunmi and her family—originally from Nigeria and now living in Madrid, Spain—who have used the power of sport, dance and music to bring health, healing and enduring hope into their lives.

Relive the best moments from a memorable Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. Courtesy of ESPN.

Special Olympics World Winter Games returns for first time since 2017 with ESPN media platforms bringing coverage of the World Winter Games across the globe.

[Rome, Italy – 13 February 2025] Toyota, as a global partner of Special Olympics® and Mobility Partner for Special Olympics Winter World Games Torino 2025, has started delivering the first vehicles destined for the event, scheduled from March 8 to 15, 2025.

From the World Winter Games Turin 2025 to promoting inclusive health, education and sports, the message of Special Olympics athletes highlights limitless opportunities for the New Year.

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Senior Advisor Gerald Mballe travelled to Madrid, Spain, to visit a refugee reception center and a local school, and foster connections between refugees, people with intellectual disabilities and their host communities.

Special Olympics North America communications specialist and athlete reporter, RJ Nealon, transitioned from competing with Special Olympics to now serving as a journalist and reporter for Special Olympics.