Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2024 – 2027

Two hundred and fifty athletes from 35 countries dived into five days of racing at the Special Olympics European Swimming Open Malta 2026. Hosted by Special Olympics Malta at the National Pool Complex from 10 to 14 September, the competition featured 25m, 50m, and 100m individual events, along with 4×25m freestyle relays for male, female, and mixed teams.

Twenty-three young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities from across the Middle East/North Africa representing North Africa Programs came together in Tunisia, Sousse from June 16 – 21 for the 11th Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Youth Leadership Summit.

More than 100 athletes took part in a landmark Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) demonstration in Malta last week.

The footballs are packed. The boots are laced. From training grounds across the world, 324 footballers from 23 nations will gather at the Charléty Stadium in the ‘City of Light’ between 6-11 July to compete for the coveted title.

[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.

[Phoenix – March 26, 2026] Nokona, the iconic American-made ball glove company, in collaboration with Special Olympics, announces an online auction of exclusive baseball gloves.

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.

[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.

Dylan Sendgraff isn’t just a coach or a mentor; he’s a driving force behind inclusion at Special Olympics Nebraska.

The President of the European Fair Play Movement and the Italian National Fair Play Committee and Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles awarded Special Olympics the Fair Play Award for Peace 2025.