Community Impact

Every day, our athletes inspire people everywhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. Learn more about the power Special Olympics has to make real change all around the world.
Lighting the Way Series, Part 1: Spotlighting Global Family Leadership on International Day of Families
This International Day of Families, Special Olympics is celebrating the parents, siblings, and caregivers who are the heartbeat of the Special Olympics movement. Families shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support that fuels confidence and makes impactful changes to athletes' lives.
4 Min Read
SONA Recognizes Outstanding Coaches Throughout Region
Throughout Special Olympics North America, more than 116,000 dedicated individuals donate their time and expertise as Special Olympics coaches. In 2024, six of these incredible coaches rose to the top and were recognized as Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach award winners.
4 Min Read
MPF Level 1 “IM Coach” Course Now Live on Special Olympics Learning Portal
The Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF) and Special Olympics are proud to announce a major leap in the ongoing partnership—the launch of the MPF IM Coach Level 1 Course, now available to all Special Olympics coaches globally via the Special Olympics Learning Portal.
1 Min Read
University of Wisconsin-Madison Plays Host to Biggest Unified NIRSA Basketball Division in Last Five Years
It’s year two of the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosting the NIRSA National Basketball Championships.
4 Min Read
“Playing Badminton Taught Me About Winning and Losing and Gave Me the Motivation to Win in Life.”
Special Olympics was in the spotlight at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as Special Olympics Ireland badminton athlete Jonathan Deering delivered a keynote address focused on the power of the sport at the BWF Members’ Forum held in Xiamen, China at the end of April.
4 Min Read
The Road to Inclusion: Tyrone Pillay at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
As the Presenting Sponsor and Mobility Partner of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, Toyota Motor Europe reinforces their commitment to inclusive sports and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
The Mirror Image Project: Your Chance to Shine Like a Global Icon
Special Olympics athletes, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase your greatness and be featured on in a social media campaign—The Mirror Image Project!
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Special Olympics Health Messengers Inspiring Their Communities to Stay Active on World Day for Physical Activity and Beyond
World Day for Physical Activity is celebrated globally on 6 April each year, emphasizing the importance of staying active through sport and physical fitness daily.
5 Min Read
The Power of Sport as a Catalyst for Inclusion
This year for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Special Olympics is highlighting those who make Special Olympics special: the athletes.
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Special Olympics Joins the Globe in Celebrating World Autism Acceptance Day
Celebrated around the world each year on April 2, World Autism Acceptance Day helps to raise awareness and promote education on autism while fostering support, acceptance, and inclusion for people with autism.
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Amplifying Athlete Voices During Capitol Hill Day
Special Olympics athletes, staff and supporters from across the United States gather each year in Washington, DC to meet with members of Congress in order to advocate for critical federal support of the organization’s work.
5 Min Read
Innovation for Inclusion
University Students Collaborate to Create Inclusive Solutions for Special Olympics through the Accenture Innovation Challenge
3 Min Read