Intellectual Disability

Ben Haack is a renaissance man. He’s a Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Australia (including several board assignments), a football (soccer) player and now, he’s added the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments. His book, Reason for Hope: A Parent’s Playbook for Raising Happy and Resilient Kids: Hard Won Lessons from My Life on The Autism Spectrum, published by Belonging Forum, was released on 2 April 2026.

The sun is shining, the towering mountains frame the horizon, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air. In the crowd, family, friends, and fans cheer loudly because Jeff Greene has arrived at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Auction Opens Today at 3:00 p.m. ET on Nokona.com

Athlete Leaders from Special Olympics Latin America share important messages for World Down Syndrome Day—a day of awareness, solidarity, activism, and celebration.

[Washington, DC, USA – 19 March 2026] Special Olympics announced a three-year grant agreement with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), whose mission is to create a truly mobile society that will help people around the world live better lives.

Organizations deepen their collaboration with events taking place in April, July, and October.

There are 50,739 Athlete Leaders worldwide, with 34.6% more men serving in these roles than women. The Women Play, Women Lead initiative is working to address this issue.

Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne will do anything it takes to cross the finish line, and her unwavering advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities reflects that same determination.

A global call to action urging governments and systems to invest in teachers as the foundation of inclusive, equitable education for all learners.

Autism is a complex neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person learns, communicates and interacts with others.