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.
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. They shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support in a way that nurtures their physical, emotional, and personal development.
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
Lighting the Way Series, Part 2: Parent Perspective
Family engagement is more than attending events—it’s about taking an active role in helping the development of Special Olympics athletes and Programs.
4 Min Read
Nothing Stronger Than Ohana
Twins, Luke and Jaycie arrived together, just a minute apart, but their paths unfolded differently.
3 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Jordan Schubert
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired is a storytelling series that highlights the journeys of individuals who got their start with Special Olympics at a young age—and never looked back.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Showcases Inclusion and Innovation at AAIDD 2025
Members of the Special Olympics International Health and Unified Champion Schools (UCS) teams attended and presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Conference from 23 – 25 June 2025.
8 Min Read
Celebrating the Power of Play on International Day of Play
This International Day of Play, Special Olympics is celebrating the joyful, inclusive, and powerful impact of play in the lives of children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
3 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
3 Min Read
The Light Bulb Moment
Magic happened in Turin when the Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (SSGMs) connected with a group of talented college students to capture photos and spark a passion for storytelling.
4 Min Read
Breaking Barriers: Lessons Learned as a Young Athletes Intern at Special Olympics International
Dylan Brown shares her journey from volunteering at Special Olympics, to interning at their headquarters, emphasizing the profound impact of inclusion and early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities.
4 Min Read