Middle East/North Africa

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout  history who have shaped our past and are shaping our future.

A significant leadership gap remains across Special Olympics globally. 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.

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.

Doha's world changed when Omar was diagnosed with a rare and severe disability.

New CEO David Evangelista, Board Chair Timothy Shriver, Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria, Regional President & Managing Director, Latin America Claudia Echeverry, and Special Olympics Board Member and Athlete Leader, Kiera Byland BEM featured in expansive series of articles.

Fanside followed their journey in an article titled Morocco makes a statement at the Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup.

Fanside followed their journey in an article titled Morocco makes a statement at the Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup.

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia entered the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup with a mission grounded in competitive drive.

At just 19 years old, Jamaican born 3x3 Basketball player Makayla Williams is already showing the world what determination looks like. She joined her Special Olympics program two years ago, driven by her love for basketball and the joy of competing alongside her teammates. 

Players and teams across San Juan, Puerto Rico, woke up energised after last night’s spectacular Opening Ceremony that officially launched the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup. From 5 – 7 December, 180 players from 27 countries will take to the courts at Distrito T-Mobile, carrying not only speed and strategy, but a shared purpose that defines Unified Sports.