Partners

A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Earlier this month, Special Olympics joined global sport leaders, researchers, and practitioners from around the world at the 5th World Association for Sport Management (WASM) Conference, held 3 – 6 March in Cape Town, South Africa. Under the theme “Global Visions, Local Actions: Innovation and Sustainability in Sport Management,” the conference fostered dialogue on sport governance, innovation, sustainability, and the social impact of sport, creating a collaborative space to exchange ideas and explore approaches to innovation and sustainability in sport management.

Michal, un esquiador de Olimpiadas Especiales Eslovaquia, compite a través del Programa de Entrenamiento de Actividad Motora (MATP), el programa deportivo basado en el movimiento de Olimpiadas Especiales para atletas con discapacidades intelectuales profundas que tienen grandes necesidades de apoyo.

Organizations deepen their collaboration with events taking place in April and July

Inclusive sports events in Cyprus, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain foster hope and belonging for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities

[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.

Inclusive sports events in Cyprus, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain foster hope and belonging for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities

[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.

[Washington, DC, USA - January 28, 2026] For more than a decade, Special Olympics has claimed its place on Super Bowl Radio Row, bringing Special Olympics athletes alongside international celebrity supporters and partners to challenge perceptions and raise the standard for what true inclusion looks like.

Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) signed a landmark MoU with Special Olympics Bhutan, outlining a long-term vision to expand Unified Champion Schools® programming.