Latest Updates Around The World
From left to right: Clint Gardner, James Wyatt, Isla Scott, Dee Weiner, Sim Yu-Jin and Polina Buhrova pose for a photo in the Mixed Zone during the 2026 YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships.Photo by Leanne Lee The iconic YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 hosted a milestone for inclusive badminton: the Special Olympics […]
The athletes’ representatives chosen for the Special Olympics North America Athletes Congress see themselves as leaders. Leading is what they plan to do before, during and after the March conference. They know they have been given the power to discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges. That’s the power they want to use. […]
Renee Dease (left) and Heather Holland (right). In light of new research from Special Olympic Games Health published in JAMA network opened, Renee Deasea long-standing member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with me Wisconsin Special Olympics athlete and Health messengerHeather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma and the power of community. Watch […]
Special Olympics swimmers competing in the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup Barcelona 2025Photo by European Aquatics Special Olympic Games and European Aquatics (EA) are strengthening their partnership in 2026, with two confirmed dates on the EA Open Water calendar when athletes will be welcomed with intellectual disability among their ranks. Following the announcement of […]
Jocelyn celebrates after a frame while bowling. At 18, Sng Lee Ying Jocelyn is a leader whose presence brightens the world bowling rose. Her smile echoes across the lanes and her quiet confidence lifts her teammates. Just a few years ago, Jocelyn would have been easy to miss. Shy and soft-spoken, she preferred to stay […]
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout history, who have shaped our past and are shaping our future. For decades, women with and without intellectual disabilities were too often on the sidelines. Today, that reality is changing. Since Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics established, women are at the […]
Youth leaders from fourteen African countries gathered at the Special Olympics Africa Regional Athlete Congress and Youth Summit 2026 in Johannesburg.Photo by Elias Makokha Across Africa, young leaders with and without intellectual disability are in the global spotlight and the world is paying attention. From regional summits to global platforms, Special Olympics young leaders don’t […]
Talk a little bit to the athlete leaders who go to the Special Olympics North America Athletes Congress in Michigan, and you’ll find they have some things in common. They are excited and a little nervous. They have leadership experience and are focused on gaining valuable knowledge from the event. 2026 is a year of […]
Each book explores the athlete’s early life, introduction to sport, preparation for Turin 2025 and lessons learned from the Games. Special Olympics Europe Eurasia has launched a European Union-backed illustrated children’s book series that brings to life the journeys of four athletes from our region who took part in the World Winter Games Turin 2025. […]
