Intellectual Disability
Dirk Nowitzki visits the Special Olympics World Games
Basketball superstar Dirk Nowitzki experienced a unique day with our athletes at Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 on 17 June.
1 Min Read
“Happiness and Pride Through Sports”—Li Xiang’s Story
In China, people with intellectual disabilities can face stigma from the moment of diagnosis.
1 Min Read
Once Excluded, Ablaye Is Now ‘One of Us’
Ablaye Ndiaye is one of the stars of his neighborhood in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Yet, years ago, he was mostly an outcast due to negative beliefs and stereotypes about people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
World Games Spotlight: Rehan Ali, Libya
Rehan grew up in a part of Libya where people with Down syndrome face widespread discrimination in education, training, and even medical care. Early on, her family had to cope with stigma and her rejection from society.
1 Min Read
World Games Spotlight: Ella Curtis, Great Britain
It's been a hard road for Ella to become a cycling champion—literally. At age six, she had a traumatic fall from her bike; for years, the fear of falling and of the pain never left her. Ella, who has Down syndrome, was terrified and would shake with fear at even the suggestion of a bike ride.
1 Min Read
World Games Spotlight: Anas Khalil Al-Zerba, Palestine
Anas Al-Zerba has made a name for himself as a role model for people with intellectual disabilities, for people with Down syndrome—and for everybody else!
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Celebrating Special Olympics Siblings
Dive into the stories of three Special Olympics siblings who live to break the barriers to inclusion.
3 Min Read
Developing Young Athletes in Montenegro: Zana and Biljana’s Story
Two kindergarten teachers in Montenegro are showing the benefits of the Young Athletes program in their community.
3 Min Read
Fitness Role Model for All: Meet Clari
Clari Lehmkuhl is a longtime trailblazer for inclusion, starting in grade school.
1 Min Read
Jaime Cruz: Actor, Activist, World Games Competitor!
Jaime Cruz Juscamaita wants to build a better world for people with intellectual disabilities—one play, one speech, one competition at a time.
1 Min Read