North America
How Michelle Canazaro's Practice Proves Her Dedication
To train for winter sports, Michelle laces up her snow boots, straps on her skis, and heads to the beach -- even in 90 degree heat.
1 Min Read
How Paige Harris Keeps Defying the Odds
Despite the challenges she faces, Paige is a natural athlete. It doesn’t matter what sport it is, her coaches say she excels.
1 Min Read
Justin "JJ" Jones Gets His Motto From His Dad
Justin has been with Special Olympics Pennsylvania for three years, competing in multiple sports, though swimming is his favorite.
1 Min Read
Dustin Plunkett
Dustin is an athlete leader who served as spokesman and Global Messenger for the 2015 World Games as well as a broadcaster for ESPN.
1 Min Read
Brendan West Found Happiness on a Basketball Court
Brendan West’s life has been anything but “normal” since the day he was born. Find out how basketball has helped him with that.
1 Min Read
How Andy Miyares Found Peace in the Pool
Being different never kept him out of the pool; in fact, it's what got him in the water in the first place.
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Brittany Tagliareni Defines What It Means to be Relentless
She started at 16 years old, now 27, she has discovered that focusing on her game also helps with her sensory and visual issues.
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Sebastian Joynes Found Acceptance at Special Olympics
His mother knew getting active was crucial for him, but they had trouble finding the right fit—until they found Special Olympics.
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Virginia Wade
A longtime athlete who joined a ski team when she was 8, Virginia Wade skis every weekend in winter while also training in gymnastics six to 12 hours a week.
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Katy Wilson
Katy Wilson, 35, has won gold in gymnastics, and served as a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger. She has traveled the globe to share the message and spirit of Special Olympics and tell everyone that people with Down syndrome can do anything—given high expectations and respect.
1 Min Read