Family

Families—parents, caregivers, siblings, and other supporters—play a major role in the Special Olympics movement. They promote inclusivity and encourage athletes to grow and believe in themselves.

Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, championing inclusion, building community, and driving impact every day. They shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support in a way that nurtures their physical, emotional, and personal development.

For Jacob Murasko, few things beat a sunny day on the golf course with his dad, Paul, by his side. Golf isn’t just their shared hobby, it’s their connection, their laughter, their way of showing up for each other. And now, that connection is taking them somewhere incredible: the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, where they’ll compete together as Unified partners.

Claudia Peña’s journey with Special Olympics began through her daughter, Paola, but quickly became a shared family experience, one where her family not only found community, but a deeper understanding of inclusion and resilience.

Family engagement is more than attending events—it’s about taking an active role in helping the development of Special Olympics athletes and Programs.

Special Olympics Senegal brought together athletes, families, partners, and supporters to mark World Youth Skills Day and International Youth Day.

Families have always been central to the Special Olympics movement, yet their voices have often been underrepresented in organizational decisions.

Twins, Luke and Jaycie arrived together, just a minute apart, but their paths unfolded differently.

At the heart of Abdel Rahman’s support system is Shahd, Abdel Rahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant more than just growing up together; it meant standing up for him.

When Su Anne Lee was younger, she was quiet, timid, even.But today, she greets customers at a bustling café, shares her story with others, and speaks on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities across Malaysia.