Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Taste of Victory: China’s Top Scorer Leads his Team to Success
It was Fan Xinwei’s first time visiting Italy. Although the city of Turin offered sites, history, and iconic Italian cuisine, the only thing on this floorball player’s mind was victory.
1 Min Read
From the Arctic Circle to Italy: Greenland’s Nuka Martin Lynge Raises the Bar
At 21 years old, cross-country-skier Nuka Martin Lynge, from Greenland, has already completed two runs of the Arctic Circle Race—recognised as the world’s most challenging cross-country skiing competition.
3 Min Read
Konrad Dębniak: Team Poland’s Generous Spirit and Sporting Hero!
Konrad Dębniak (35), an accomplished athlete from Special Olympics Poland, has become a true role model for his community—on and off the sports field.
3 Min Read
Snow in the Desert: An Alpine Skier from Egypt Wins at the World Winter Games
Antwan “Tony” Saad developed a passion for skiing but has a very peculiar dilemma: his home country of Egypt only receives snow on the rarest of occasions (sometimes years apart).
1 Min Read
SO USA Skier Alexandrea Rutledge Shares Her Experience From Turin 2025
Alexandrea Rutledge trained hard for Turin 2025. Now she's excited to show off her skills to friends back home.
1 Min Read
More Than Words: First Special Olympics Turkmenistan Athlete Competes in World Winter Games Figure Skating
Although figure skating athlete Nuranay Habybova could only communicate with her delegation, she could easily express herself on the ice.
2 Min Read
Lorraine Whelan, The Irish Powerhouse Skier
“Being able to ski a really tough course, that’s been my highlight. And now I’ve done it,” shares Team Ireland’s treasured alpine skier, Lorraine Whelan, waving her ski poles in the air as she dances with the crowd in Sestriere.
2 Min Read
Andrea Tomasoni, a Dancing Soul
"I have been dancing for 12 years, and I am going to the Special Olympics World Games," says Andrea Tomasoni. "Dancing is like talking to my soul..."
4 Min Read
Inclusive Health in Action
For Cori Piels, inclusive health isn’t just about ensuring she sees a doctor. It’s about feeling heard, understood.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Gain Health Prevention and Sports Recovery Through Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Screenings
Healthy Athletes programs, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, has accomplished a big difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes—most of whom do not have access to regular health care and in some cases, may not have ever seen a doctor.
3 Min Read
Finding Balance in Mind, Body and Confidence
His movements are natural, precise, and fluid—each glide of his skates is a quiet testament to years of dedication and perseverance.
2 Min Read
A Unique Bond
Doug Claus has never been to Kosovo, but as Delegation Assistant Liaison volunteer for the country, he has been an integral part of the operation for the group during and has become family during their time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
1 Min Read