Stories

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These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.

Special Olympics at UEFA EURO 2024: Volunteer Pair from Stuttgart Embrace the Experience

Over the past few weeks, volunteer pair Reka Schatz and Beeke Brinkmann have been among the Special Olympics athletes and partners assisting at UEFA EURO 2024 - the third-largest sporting event in the world.
1 Min Read

Liftoff: To Inclusion and Beyond

It’s the quiet time of year on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, but the presence of Special Olympics makes it lively. Special Olympics youth leaders, educators and Program staff lived on campus during the 2024 SONA National Leadership Event: To Inclusion and Beyond.
5 Min Read

Opening Eyes® Provides a Clear Vision for SOWI Athletes

Imagine training for months or years to qualify for the swimming competition of a lifetime. All those hours, all those practices. You get up on the block awaiting the starting gun as you gaze out toward the pool and see nothing but a blur.
3 Min Read

Special Olympics International Gets More Athletes on the Field With Microsoft Power Pages

The following is an excerpt from Microsoft’s article, “Special Olympics International Gets More Athletes on the Field With Microsoft Power Pages,” on furthering the digitalization of the Special Olympics movement.
1 Min Read

Digital Accessibility: How Brightspot and Special Olympics Are Changing the Game

On this week’s episode of the Inclusion Revolution Radio Podcast, podcast hosts Novie Craven and Josh Basile discussed Brightspot’s Special Olympics partnership with Parker Ramsdell, Brightspot Senior Vice President of People, Mission & Culture.
1 Min Read

FIBA Foundation’s Youth Leadership Programme: Driving Inclusion in Finland and Beyond!

Lauri Aaltonen—a Unified Partner and volunteer with Special Olympics Finland—is working with the Finnish Basketball Federation to drive inclusion forward as part of the FIBA Foundation’s Youth Leadership programme.
2 Min Read

How Far Will You Go for Inclusion?

Dedicated Kenyan Athletes and Coaches Traverse Long Distances Just to Attend Weekly Trainings
2 Min Read

A Growing Coalition: A Growing Legacy

As the movement of Special Olympics and the global community celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Global Coalition for Inclusion, President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia David Evangelista reflects on the formidable legacy already established and the exciting pathway forward.
3 Min Read

Rising Star Coaches Recognized by Special Olympics North America

While winning is the reason we all play sports, spreading and promoting inclusion is at the forefront of the organization.
4 Min Read

UPS and Special Olympics: Pure Shared Joy

The Special Olympics National Games 2024 in Belgium were supported by a team of enthusiastic UPS employees, known as UPSers.
2 Min Read

Tune In: July 9 - A Special Olympics Interview with Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation

On Tuesday, July 9 at 12:00 p.m. ET, Special Olympics will premiere an exclusive interview with Special Olympics Global Ambassador and U.S. Olympian Michael Phelps and his wife Nicole, hosted by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver.
1 Min Read

Special Olympics Badminton on the Rise—Celebrating World Badminton Day

Special Olympics’ sport federation partner, Badminton World Federation (BWF), created and now celebrates World Badminton Day.
4 Min Read