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!
MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region
The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024.
6 Min Read
Daina Shilts Reported on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for ESPN
Daina Shilts is a Special Olympics North America snowboarder who has worked with ESPN as a sport reporter at previous Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics USA Games, and other large sporting events.
1 Min Read
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Special Olympics not only uplifts and champions athletes on the field of play, but also supports athletes in their professional careers.
Patrice Jetter
With over 100 medals won from Special Olympics, Patrice Jetter is an accomplished athlete. From bocce, to bowling, cheerleading, figure skating and gymnastics, she proudly displays medals from each sport, each victory on her wall.
1 Min Read
EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN
On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Jamaica Athlete Named to Global Athlete Leadership Role
Special Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan's thoughtful demeanor and strong leadership skills are large reasons he finds himself as the newly named chairperson for the Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC).
3 Min Read
From the Red Carpet to World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Elisa Parutto made one dream come true when she walked the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival last week with fellow athlete and accomplished actor Gabriele Di Bello. Now, she looks forward to bringing another dream to life when she competes in DanceSport at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read
Kiera Byland BEM: My Year of Advocacy and Inclusion
Kiera Byland BEM shares her journey since being elected as Global Athlete Congress Chair during the World Games in Berlin
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
Special Olympics Athletes Wow the Crowds at the 2024 FIBA Open
Eleven Special Olympics teams were among over 1,000 basketball players at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, the largest 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland, on 15 and 16 June 2024.
3 Min Read
Ukrainian Teen Vlad Flourishes on the Dutch Athletics Track
Vlad Bezghinov, originally from Ukraine, competed in the 100 metres, 200 metres and shot put at the recent Special Olympics Netherlands 2024 National Games.
2 Min Read
One Year On: Athletes Reflect on the Powerful Legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023
As Special Olympics movement celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 (“Berlin Games”), athletes from across Europe reflect on the impact that the Games had on their lives through a series of five compelling videos.
3 Min Read