Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Special Olympics Athletes Wow the Crowds at the 2024 FIBA Open
Eleven Special Olympics teams were among over 1,000 basketball players at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, the largest 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland, on 15 and 16 June 2024.
3 Min Read
Ukrainian Teen Vlad Flourishes on the Dutch Athletics Track
Vlad Bezghinov, originally from Ukraine, competed in the 100 metres, 200 metres and shot put at the recent Special Olympics Netherlands 2024 National Games.
2 Min Read
Tamara Röske: A Star on the Track, Stage and Screen
Special Olympics Germany athlete, model, actor and musician; Röske’s multifaceted talents shine brightly one year on from Berlin 2023.
1 Min Read
A Mermaid in Berlin: Swimmer Anita Reflects on the World Games 2023
One year on from the World Games in Berlin, Special Olympics Italy swimmer Anita Greco and her family look back on the immense impact the competition has had on their lives.
2 Min Read
Bradley Stuart: “If I Didn’t go to the World Games, I Don’t Think I’d Have a Job”
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Bradley Stuart, a football player with Special Olympics Great Britain, reflects on the profound effect that the experience has had on his life.
1 Min Read
Andrea & Cinta: A Unified Sports Journey Towards Gold!
Berlin 2023 basketball champions Andrea Ballesta and Unified partner Cinta Gomis reflect on their Special Olympics World Games experience.
2 Min Read
Irish Golfers Look Back on Berlin: “It’s the Best Thing You’ll Ever do!”
As the movement celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Irish golfing twins Sarah and Trudy Hyland reflect on the impact of the Games.
1 Min Read
One Year On: Athletes Reflect on the Powerful Legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023
As Special Olympics movement celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 (“Berlin Games”), athletes from across Europe reflect on the impact that the Games had on their lives through a series of five compelling videos.
3 Min Read
Transformative Power of Believing in one's Potential: A Coach and Athlete’s Bond
Ahmed El Farji has taken on the role of coach with Special Olympics Morocco tennis player Hajar Cherif Lamrani, guiding her with dedication and expertise.
2 Min Read
My Journey with Special Olympics – Zhichen’s Story
An athlete in Chinese Taipei shares how Special Olympics changed his life.
1 Min Read
Samantha Rodriguez: Logging Miles & Leading the Way
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.
3 Min Read
Cyclists Set New Guinness World Record Titles in RideLondon-Essex100
Following Lloyd Martin’s incredible achievements at last month’s TCS London Marathon, Special Olympics Surrey Cycling Club cyclists, Tom Kelsall and Hannah Kemp, have set new Guinness World Records titles by completing the Ford RideLondon-Essex100.
1 Min Read