Leadership

As I reflect on my experience as a member of the first-ever Special Olympics North America Athlete Media Team at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, it occurred to me that I was a part of history. Special Olympics North America had never brought an athlete media team to the USA Games, having them highlight athlete experiences from a peer perspective. This unique opportunity showed everyone that people with disabilities deserve representation in the media.

On February 1st, 2026, about fifteen athletes from Special Olympics Connecticut—North Haven walked into Choate Rosemary Hall’s Larry Hart Pool, and about thirty Choate students were already in the lobby waiting for them.

How Special Olympics, Lions Club International Foundation, and World Food Program USA United for the Tegwyn Special Unit

Nikilani Rojas of Special Olympics Hawaii is someone who makes things happen by leading others and following through.

An intensive training program focused on leadership, inclusion, and personal development awaited members of the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council.

At a book fair in Guatemala City in mid-2024, Athlete Leader Daniel Guerra was doing what he does well, telling the story of people with intellectual disabilities and the barriers they face.

She had a keynote speech to give. She was in an unfamiliar city for just a few hours. Bright spotlights shined upon her. In a grand meeting room, 350 leaders from across Europe faced her.

XiaoBai had an hours-long journey tolast year’s training in Beijing, simply because the city is so big. The 2025 training voyage was longer still.

Members of the new Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council had several days of onboarding training in July 2025.

When the Special Olympics Namibia Board of Directors needed to send a delegate to a major regional conference, they chose Athlete Leader Felicity Van der Heever.