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.
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. Inherently, ballroom dancing is based on the concepts of leading and following. As is customary, the male partner leads, keeping time and initiating the next step. Regardless of who leads, the foundation of the dance is built upon the connection shared between partners.
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
Shane's Journey of Determination to World 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
When Special Olympics Finds You: An Unexpected Intersection of Medicine, Sport and Inclusion
While pursuing his medical degree at the University of Nairobi, Dr. Gome was an avid basketball player, dedicating his Saturdays to the sport he loved.
1 Min Read
Global Youth Leadership Summit World Winter Games Turin 2025
The final day of the Global Youth Leadership Summit focused on sustaining long-term change.
1 Min Read
Young Athletes Take the Floor
Pala Giani Asti was a party this morning as over 200 children from 7 area schools gathered for Special Olympics Young Athletes.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Earns First Medal of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Gonzolo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read
Everyone Belongs in Sport: MATP Skiers Take to the Slopes in Powerful Sport Demonstration
Yesterday marks a historic day for the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) when the first-ever MATP Demonstration took place at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
1 Min Read