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!
The Light Bulb Moment
Magic happened in Turin when the Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (SSGMs) connected with a group of talented college students to capture photos and spark a passion for storytelling.
4 Min Read
Vanesa Antolín Serna: A Journey of Triumph Through Sport
Cross-country skiing athlete and proud Pau Gasol fan represented Special Olympics Spain at the World Winter Games Turin 2025
2 Min Read
Lighting the Flame Lit a Fire Within Her: Elisa Parutto’s Turin Games Journey
“In this world, I’m learning to be proud of myself and to support other people who still don’t believe in themselves.”
3 Min Read
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