Sports

A powerful story of how the Special Olympics Unified with Refugees initiative offers refugee children with intellectual disabilities a pathway from exclusion to belonging.

Joel fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found refuge in Uganda. As a young person with an intellectual disability, he faced isolation and exclusion—until he discovered Special Olympics Unified Sports.Read the full story

Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.

Eros Zanotti launched the children’s book ‘Eros’ Magical Skis’ – which was inspired by the story of his journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 – at a feature event on Friday 22 May as part of the Special Olympics Italia National Summer Games.

Fansided recently covered the announcement of North Carolina Panthers Quarterback Bryce Young’s support of Special Olympics Unified Sports®.

On World Football Day, Special Olympics is celebrating the power of football to do more than just score goals; it breaks down barriers, builds communities, and unites athletes as they work together to achieve a shared goal.

For one week in June, Special Olympics athletes from across the United States will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. While the athletes will get most of the spotlight, and rightfully so, for their athletic achievements, there’s another distinct group of indivdiuals with intellectual disabilities coming to the USA Games.

Annual Europe Eurasia initiative returns for its 26th edition, strengthening collaboration through football and expanding inclusion across communities

Jolein's feet burned as they struck the pavement. She'd lost count of the number of steps she'd taken, as all that repeated in her mind was 'the cycling is done, it’s almost over – just a bit of running left, and my coach will be waiting proudly at the finish line.'

[May 21, 2026] Special Olympics and the Young 9 Foundation, founded by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, have teamed up to expand inclusive sports programming.