North America

Special Olympics is all about bringing out the best in everyone. Special Olympics Unified Sports, which brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities, takes this transformation to another level. Now, meet a Unified Basketball team from Florida, USA that’s taking the power of “playing unified” to the global level at the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

Two athletes from Special Olympics Missouri and Special Olympics Kansas had the honor of co-announcing the 141st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings. Richard Scott and Josh Alters, both passionate multi-sport athletes, were chosen to make the pick.

On 17 April, Special Olympics runner Trent Hampton took part in the historic 127th Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.

JR is joined by his longtime friend from the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Michael Kelley. Michael discusses his athletic career, how it shaped him, and his work as a coach & broadcaster.

Coach Joe Bellini and Special Olympics athlete Will Smith have known each other for nearly 30 years. Their relationship isn’t the typical coach/athlete relationship because the connection runs so deep. Here is their story.

Shavanna Mahoe has the distinction of being Hawaii’s first and only Special Olympics athlete who serves as a certified bocce official.

In the sixth grade, Maryellen Brown, standing at just 4’11", won the broad jump with a measurement of 6 feet and 1 inch.

Josee was still riding high from her multi-medal achievements at Canada's 2018 National Games when she was chosen for the 2019 World Games.

Unified Sports athletes Emerson & Julian explain how the Unified Sports program sparked their friendship and what it means to them to continue to grow that program.

Laura Stremble focusew on World Down Syndrome Day and explains how she got involved with Special Olympics, her close relationship with her mom / coach, her side hustle, and her upcoming trip to World Games Berlin.