Stories From the Field of Play
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Win or lose, our athletes leave it all on the field. Read more about their triumphs, trials and trainings here.
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
Raja Dalis, Special Olympics Illinois Mother, Emphasizes the Power of Community
When Raja Dalis couldn't find the resources she wanted as the parent of a child with an intellectual disability, she created them, finding a new community along the way.
3 Min Read
Unified On and Off the Court: Ines and Jasmin’s Winning Floorball Connection
Special Olympics Germany Unified duo is ready to compete in the World Winter Games Turin 2025
3 Min Read
Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
Sports Excellence as Tradition: Gonzalo Gets Ready for Turin
Gonzalo Escobar Wernli grew up with a love for winter sports—and a talent for them, too. And why wouldn’t he? He enjoyed early instruction from his grandfather, Claudio Wernli, who was a competitive skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria, among other events.
1 Min Read
Floorball Ingenuity: How Namibia Improvised On and Off the Court
Through creativity, partnership, and improvised equipment, Namibia’s floorball team has found a curious path to not only play the sport, but to excel and reach the world stage in Turin for the 2025 World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
What Makes a Leader? A Senegalese Athlete’s Discovery
Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step over more than a decade what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
3 Min Read
Javier Trejo: Speed, Passion, and the Road to Turin 2025
Spanish alpine skier preparing to take to the slopes for a sixth World Winter Games
3 Min Read
Michal Dolinsky from Považská Celebrated by Famous Footballer Drogba: The Teenager will Represent Slovakia at Special World Winter Games in Turin!
The following is an excerpt from Novy Cas's article on Special Olympics MATP skier, Michal Dolinsky, who has been recognized for his athletic abilities by Didier Drogba.
1 Min Read
Slovakia Hosts its very First Special Olympics European Unified Volleyball Tournament
The first placed Special Olympics Slovakia team succeeded in securing a direct spot in the Special Olympics World Unified Volleyball Cup which will take place in Poland later this year.
2 Min Read
I Coach Girls Project to Launch Resources for Engaging Girls in Sport
As a partner in the I Coach Girls project, the SO Europe Eurasia Foundation (SOEEF) has ensured that the needs and input of girls with intellectual disabilities are represented at every stage.
3 Min Read
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Share Your Story
Athletes and coaches: we would love to hear your story! Fill out this form to share your experiences with the Special Olympics community.