Young Athletes
Special Olympics Young Athletes, a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old, offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.
Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 Day 3 Highlights
The excitement didn't stop on the pitch!At the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, our Young Athletes program was in full swing, showcasing the power of inclusion and the joy of play for children of all abilities.A huge thank you to our incredible Young Athletes volunteers and staff for bringing the energy, creating unforgettable moments, and making the day a success.
Young Athletes Encouraged to Play in Paris
8 July 2026. Yesterday, at the Charléty Stadium Dojo, 30 children from France with and without intellectual disabilities, participated in Young Athletes, fun motor skills courses as part of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 non-competition events.
1 Min Read
The Beautiful Game Kicks Off: Paris hosts the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
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.
3 Min Read
Building the Foundation for an Inclusive Future
Celebrated annually on 11 June, International Day of Play reminds us that play isn’t just fun; it’s an essential part of childhood development. It’s how children build confidence, communication skills, physical coordination, and social-emotional development—laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Early childhood play programs like Special Olympics Young Athletes bring this to life.
3 Min Read
A Week of Impact: Showcasing Inclusive Health at Special Olympics Ireland Site Visits
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.
5 Min Read
5th World Association for Sport Management Conference Features Keynote Address from Special Olympics Chief of Health Operations
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.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Completes Georgetown University Innovation Hub Fellowship to Advance Young Athletes App
On December 11, 2025, leaders from the Special Olympics Early Childhood Development team successfully completed a 13-week Fellowship with the Georgetown University Thrive Center’s Innovation Hub.
2 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 4: The Power of Love and Support
Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, championing inclusion, building community, and driving impact every day.
3 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 4: The Power of Love and Support
Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, championing inclusion, building community, and driving impact every day.
3 Min Read
Opening Doors: Advancing Inclusive Pediatric Care in Colombia
Recognized annually on 20 November, World Children’s Day brings awareness to children’s rights and welfare worldwide.
5 Min Read