North America

Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired is a storytelling series that highlights the journeys of individuals who got their start with Special Olympics at a young age—and never looked back.

RJ Nealon's journey with Special Olympics began with a letter. At just 10 years old, he reached out to the CEO of Special Olympics, eager to get involved. Now, RJ is working for Special Olympics athletes to find their voice.

Jordan began playing basketball with Special Olympics in the fifth grade. This small action eventually became a regular part of his life and eventually developed into a passion he pursued.

With the 107th Lions International Convention well under way in Orlando, Florida, now is the perfect moment to discover the depth and breadth of the powerful global partnership between Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation.

This summer, Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North America teamed up to host two Health Messenger training sessions in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, KS, training 26 athletes from 10 states.

Members of the Special Olympics International Health and Unified Champion Schools (UCS) teams attended and presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Conference from 23 – 25 June 2025.

Download the TranscriptOn this second episode of Season 7 of Inclusion Revolution Radio, sponsored by Toyota, host Novie Craven takes listeners on the road for a special edition of the podcast—recorded live at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games in Melissa, Texas. From 1 – 4 May, thousands gathered for the largest competition of the year for Special Olympics Texas. With over 2,500 participants, including 1,574 athletes, 112 Unified partners and 859 coaches and volunteers, the event showcased the very best of sport, spirit and inclusion.

On this second episode host Novie Craven takes listeners on the road for a special edition of the podcast—recorded live at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games in Melissa, Texas.

For the first time ever, Kanopy streams Special Olympics produced short documentaries.

Today, Special Olympics is looking back at all the fathers, father-figures, and grandfathers who, through the power of sport, have helped raise, support, coach, and love Special Olympics athletes around the world.