North America

Imagine training for months or years to qualify for the swimming competition of a lifetime. All those hours, all those practices. You get up on the block awaiting the starting gun as you gaze out toward the pool and see nothing but a blur.

While winning is the reason we all play sports, spreading and promoting inclusion is at the forefront of the organization.

To many, running is a solitary sport. One person, one route, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It’s been a way to connect, form a community, and create opportunities for those around her.

Triathlon Paves the Way for Inclusive Sport at the 3rd Annual Special Olympics European Open Triathlon

For Hunter Specht, the mountain is his home away from home. For years, he and his family have bonded over their passion for snow sports, especially skiing. But it was when Hunter’s passion for skiing met Special Olympics Colorado that he was truly able to shine.

Every year, the St. Lucie Mets invites 50 Special Olympics Florida athletes to a spring kick-off pizza party.

Emily Tymick first got involved with Special Olympics as a volunteer and was hooked quickly, turning it into a career. More than a decade later, she was recognized by her peers as the SONA Sports Person of the Year.

The award-winning documentary "When We Get Home" by Kathleen Shriver and Walking Films is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of war on marginalized communities, with a particular focus on individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The following is an article published by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on the growth and development of Special Olympics golfers and the sport of golf through Special Olympics’ partnership with Topgolf:

In 2023, Topgolf and Special Olympics joined forces in a new global partnership with one driving ambition – to get more Special Olympics golfers playing the game.