Stories From the Field of Play

Special Olympics is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 Sport Rules Process. This is a key opportunity for athletes, coaches, program leaders, and stakeholders to actively contribute to the evolution and improvement of our official Sports Rules.

“I’m a champion and a ninja!” Antoine (“Tony”) Magued Samir Saad, Special Olympics Egypt alpine skiing athlete, is ready to take on the snow-covered slopes at the Special Olympics World Winter Games! With unwavering support and motivation from his coach, Tony has dedicated countless hours to training for Turin 2025. Now, he’s ready to give it his all on the world stage. Join us in cheering for champions like Tony, who shows that with hard work, perseverance, and passion, you can conquer any mountain!

From the slopes of Chile to the global stage, Gonzalo Escobar Wernli is carving his path in snowboarding!

For Special Olympics Brazil, table tennis is much more than a sport—it is a space for discovery, belonging, and self-improvement. Each training session, match, and athlete represents a story of transformation.

Cross-country skiing athlete and proud Pau Gasol fan represented Special Olympics Spain at the World Winter Games Turin 2025

“In this world, I’m learning to be proud of myself and to support other people who still don’t believe in themselves.”

Energy, Hope and Unity Come Together in the Logo for the First Ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup

History in the making! The Inaugural Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup will tip off in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 5 – 7th, 2025! This game-changing event, in partnership with FIBA, Special Olympics Latin America, and Special Olympics Puerto Rico, will showcase the power of inclusion on the court.

[SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - 10 APRIL 2025] Special Olympics International (SOI) announced today that San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be the host site for the very first Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup, marking the first time in the 56-year history of the global sporting movement that a Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup will take place.

Carried with pride by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics volunteers and Special Olympics athletes, the Flame of Hope spreads a powerful message of inclusion and perseverance across the globe. Lit in Athens, Greece—the birthplace of the Olympic movement—the Torch for the Special Olympics World Winter Games #Turin2025 shines as a masterpiece, reflecting the rich art, culture, and iconic heritage of Italy’s Piedmont region. Let the journey of the Flame of Hope ignite a brighter future, lighting the way to a world where everyone belongs.