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Stories

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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.

2025 Sport Rules Process Now Open – Submit Your Proposals by 15 July 2025

Special Olympics is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 Sport Rules Process. This is a key opportunity for athletes, coaches, program leaders, and stakeholders to actively contribute to the evolution and improvement of our official Sports Rules.
2 Min Read

Tim Shriver Interviewed by José Díaz-Balart on MSNBC about Pope Francis’ Relationship with Special Olympics

Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver was interviewed LIVE by MSNBC host José Díaz-Balart on Wednesday, 23 April following the Pontiff’s passing on Easter Monday.
1 Min Read

On World Table Tennis Day, SOLA Shows the World the Transformative Power of Sport

For Special Olympics Brazil, table tennis is much more than a sport—it is a space for discovery, belonging, and self-improvement. Each training session, match, and athlete represents a story of transformation.
4 Min Read

A Note from the Chairmen of Special Olympics and Best Buddies: The Gifts of People with Autism

As we come to the end of Autism Awareness Month, we want to join with self-advocates and friends and family members around the world in celebrating the gifts of people with autism.
2 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

From the Classroom to the World Stage

Follow along as Wang Chang provides a look into his life as he prepares for the Global Youth Leadership Summit.
2 Min Read

Remembering Pope Francis

Special Olympics is paying tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis.
1 Min Read

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

Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup 2025 Media Coverage Hub

Puerto Rico is set to host Special Olympics’ first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in the historically rich capital city of San Juan from 5 through 7 December 2025.
1 Min Read

The Future Begins with Us: Two Young Leaders from El Salvador Reflect on a Journey of Change

Gabriela Velásquez and Amy Ramírez, two youth leaders from El Salvador, signed up to help shape a summit. In the end it shaped them, too.
2 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

Breaking Barriers: Lessons Learned as a Young Athletes Intern at Special Olympics International

Dylan Brown shares her journey from volunteering at Special Olympics, to interning at their headquarters, emphasizing the profound impact of inclusion and early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities.
4 Min Read