https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/inclusive-health/young-athletes/about-young-athletes About Young Athletes Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:40:29 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/about/press-releases/building-a-healthier-future-together-henry-schein-and-special-olympics-renew-partnership-through-2030 [Melville, NY (USA) – 18 August 2026] Access to quality healthcare can make a profound difference in a person’s life. Yet for many people with intellectual disabilities (ID), barriers to care remain a daily reality. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:40:29 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/about/press-releases/building-a-healthier-future-together-henry-schein-and-special-olympics-renew-partnership-through-2030 https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/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. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:41:06 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/young-athletes-encouraged-to-play-in-paris https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/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. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/the-beautiful-game-kicks-off-paris-hosts-the-special-olympics-unified-football-world-cup-2026 https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/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. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:33:27 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/building-the-foundation-for-an-inclusive-future https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/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. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/a-week-of-impact-showcasing-inclusive-health-at-special-olympics-ireland-site-visits https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/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. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:27:08 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/5th-world-association-for-sport-management-conference-features-keynote-address-from-special-olympics-chief-of-health-operations https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/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. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/special-olympics-completes-georgetown-university-innovation-hub-fellowship-to-advance-young-athletes-app https://www.specialolympics.org/es/historias/impacto-comunitario/serie-iluminando-el-camino-parte-4-el-poder-del-amor-y-el-apoyo Las familias son el corazón de Olimpiadas Especiales: promueven la inclusión, construyen comunidad e impulsan el impacto a diario. Forjan la trayectoria de cada atleta ofreciendo un amor y apoyo únicos que nutren su desarrollo físico, emocional y personal. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:58:45 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/es/historias/impacto-comunitario/serie-iluminando-el-camino-parte-4-el-poder-del-amor-y-el-apoyo