Stories
These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
¡Viva Inclusión! - Gonzalo Escobar Wins First Gold in Turin
On 11 March, Special Olympics Chile snowboarding athlete Gonzalo Escobar was awarded the first gold medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, competing in the Advanced Giant Slalom Snowboarding Final.
3 Min Read
A Girl's First Love
A first love can be life-altering. Suddenly every waking thought revolves around it, heart beating faster. The all-consuming nature of a first love may be too much for some people. But for others, it becomes a part of their soul, their identity.
1 Min Read
Girl, You Got This!
When 19-year-old alpine skier and Special Olympics athlete Madison Cyr is gliding down the slopes her motivational saying “Girl, You Got This” keeps her going.
1 Min Read
More Than Spectators: The Unseen Power of Family Support
Every athlete’s journey is shaped by those who believed the most in them—family.
1 Min Read
Friendship Turned Leadership: How Youth Leaders are Shaping an Inclusive Future
For Louis Kleemeyer and Tim Pietrowski from Germany, being part of the Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Council has been nothing short of life-changing. Their story began three years ago, when both met at a start-up event.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Korea Soars on the Snow and the Ice
Decorated Athletes and Coaches from Special Olympics Korea make the journey to Turin, Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. A mix of talent, youth, and personal triumph constitute an exemplary team of athletes. And they’re winning big!
2 Min Read
Victory on Court 3: The Bomber Leads Italy to Glory
The Division B Unified floorball match on Court 3 was a thrilling showdown between Special Olympics Italy and Special Olympics Germany.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Marcel Schilling Wins Double Silver on the Slopes
Marcel Schilling, a charismatic 34-year-old snowboarder from Thurgau, Switzerland, has kicked off his Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 experience in style, adding two silver medals – in Intermediate Giant Slalom and Intermediate Super G – to his growing collection.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Global Coalition For Inclusion Celebrates Progress
Leaders gather in Turin to strengthen commitment to inclusive education through sports
4 Min Read
From a Training on a Volcano to the Competing in the Alps: Special Olympics Costa Rica Athletes Excel in Snowshoeing
With no snow in Costa Rica, snowshoeing athletes Ashly Sanchez Ledezma and Emily Salguero Mata got creative with their training by practicing on a volcano.
2 Min Read
Lead and Follow: Special Olympics Netherlands Unified DanceSport
At just 3 years old, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete Kenya Koene began dancing. The footwork came naturally, as she followed in the footsteps of her mother, Irene Reniers, a longtime dancer.
2 Min Read
Team Estonia’s Helen Nääme Sails into DanceSport Finals!
Special Olympics Estonia athlete Helen Nääme kicked off the Games by leading her delegation in the Parade of Athletes at Opening Ceremony. On Tuesday, she sailed her way into the DanceSport finals! What next for Helen’s Games’ adventure?
3 Min Read