Inclusive Health

Thank you to the media outlets that elevated Special Olympics Health across earned media, partner content, and owned channels while capturing compelling athlete and volunteer stories during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

In lead-up to the launch of a new Special Olympics initiative, SO-Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities), I met with Special Olympics Virginia athlete David Egan to talk about the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in research.

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marks the opening of Healthy Athletes screenings at the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

ESPN visited Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® speaking with athletes, volunteers, and Special Olympics staff about the seven free, accessible health screening disciplines offered,

KARE 11 visited Special Olympics Strong Minds to hear from USA Games athletes and volunteers about how the screening aims to address the mental health disparities faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

[Minneapolis, Minnesota, 20 June 2026] Today, Special Olympics announced the launch of SO-Link—an initiative that connects Special Olympics athletes with opportunities to participate in Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research and evaluation projects relevant to their health.

Celebrated annually on 11 June, International Day of Play reminds us that play isn’t just fun; it’s an essential part of childhood development. It’s how children build confidence, communication skills, physical coordination, and social-emotional development—laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Early childhood play programs like Special Olympics Young Athletes bring this to life.

Eleven Projects that Could Change Special Olympics from the Ground Up

Athlete leaders attending the 2026 SONA Regional Athlete Congress explain why they are done merely talking; they are ready to get to work.

For many patients, especially those with intellectual disabilities, a routine visit to the doctor's office is anything but routine.