Global Youth and Education
Special Olympics believes that in order to create lasting attitudinal change across the world, the focus must begin on today’s youth. As part of a concerted strategy to ensure the movement reaches as many young people as possible, in all demographic settings, Special Olympics has built model including, Unified Schools, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement.
A New Era of Inclusion: Burkina Faso Joins Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Burkina Faso Takes Bold Step for Inclusion and Empowerment
3 Min Read
Why the R-Word Is the R-Slur
Practice Inclusion: End the Use of the R-Word
The research shows that when social media users are posting about people with intellectual disabilities, 7 in every 10 of those posts are negative, and 6 in 10 contain a slur.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces the 2025 – 2027 Global Youth Leadership Council
In celebration of International Youth Day, Special Olympics is proud to announce the newly selected 2025 – 2027 Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC).
1 Min Read
Why the R-Word Is the R-Slur
Practice Inclusion: End the Use of the R-Word
The research shows that when social media users are posting about people with intellectual disabilities, 7 in every 10 of those posts are negative, and 6 in 10 contain a slur.
2 Min Read
Bosnia & Herzegovina Pledges Support for Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Landmark agreement aims to empower youth with intellectual disabilities and expand access to inclusive education and sports
4 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
3 Min Read
From the Classroom to the World Stage
Follow along as Wang Chang provides a look into his life as he prepares for the Global Youth Leadership Summit.
2 Min Read
The Future Begins with Us: Two Young Leaders from El Salvador Reflect on a Journey of Change
Gabriela Velásquez and Amy Ramírez, two youth leaders from El Salvador, signed up to help shape a summit.
2 Min Read
The Future Begins with Us: A Global Call to Action from the Special Olympics Youth Leadership Summit
At every Special Olympics World Games, something remarkable happens—a global gathering of young leaders, with and without intellectual disabilities, who come together not just to share their hopes and ideas, but to lead.
1 Min Read
Inspiring The Next Generation
For Special Olympics athlete, Veronica Diaz Rainieri, anything and everything is possible for everyone. A two-sport athlete in swimming and skiing, Diaz Rainieri is an inspiration for the youth in her native country of the Dominican Republic.
1 Min Read