Athlete Leadership

To many, running is a solitary sport. One person, one route, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It’s been a way to connect, form a community, and create opportunities for those around her.

For World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the stories and efforts of our athletes for the promotion and advocacy of the full recognition of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder.

Rick Stonich’s Special Olympics Colorado journey started 23 years ago when he lived next door to an elderly couple who housed two people with intellectual disabilities. Now he's been a golf coach and Unified partner, finding fulfillment in the organization.

Throughout Washington D.C., Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, and staff from 47 states and the District of Columbia are meeting with members of Congress to advocate for the continuance of funding for the movement’s life-changing work in education and health.

A chance encounter brought Nick Cammarota to Special Olympics for the first time. Now more than a decade later, he hasn't looked back and works full-time with Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

One Special Olympics club in Kenya struggles to increase athlete and coach participation to pre-Covid levels two years after the end of the lockdown.

Long-time Special Olympics corporate partner United Airlines announced that Special Olympics will be highlighted as a recipient of the airlines’ Miles on a Mission program.

The Special Olympics Coach Webinar Series, presented by Gallagher, is back for 2023!

Throughout the Special Olympics North America Region, Programs are creating opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to find their voices and share their powerful stories.

Two athletes from Special Olympics Missouri and Special Olympics Kansas had the honor of co-announcing the 141st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings. Richard Scott and Josh Alters, both passionate multi-sport athletes, were chosen to make the pick.