In the News
In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These news stories come from all around the world.
Special Olympics Athletes Enhance Skills with Coaching at Professional Clubs
Through the Special Champions League project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, eight professional football clubs developed teams for almost 550 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
2 Min Read
The House that Started Special Olympics Is Finally Being Recognized
The following is an excerpt from The Washington Post article, “This house started the Special Olympics. It’s finally being recognized”, that explores the legacy of Timberlawn, the Maryland home where Eunice Kennedy Shriver launched Camp Shriver in 1962—planting the seeds for what would become Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
The ‘R-Word’ is Back. How a Slur Became Renormalized
On an April episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the host used a slur within the first 45 seconds of the show.
9 Min Read
Special Olympics Advocates: Don’t Leave This Community Out of Mental Health Discussions
The following is an excerpt from The Healthy by Reader’s Digest article, “Special Olympics Advocates: Don’t Leave This Community Out of Mental Health Discussions” on what effective mental health care looks like for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and why inclusion needs to be part of the solution.
1 Min Read
The International Judo Federation and Special Olympics Reinforce Partnership
With the mission of promoting the development of judo worldwide in all sectors of sport, the International Judo Federation and Special Olympics recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen opportunities for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
1 Min Read
“I was There from the Start!”: Celebrating 25 Years of European Football Week with André Peeters
From its inception to its future goals: Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Football Advisor, André Peeters, takes us on a 25-year-long journey following the spectacular evolution of Special Olympics Football Week in Europe.
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Inside the Games: Special Olympics Shapes Football Strategy
The following is an excerpt from Inside the Games’ article, “Special Olympics shapes football strategy” which discusses the power of sport and the impact inclusive sport has on football across the world.
1 Min Read
“We all Deserve to be the Main Character in our Own Life”: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy
The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Set to Score More Crucial Goals for Inclusion Through its Global Football Development Strategy
The following is an excerpt from AIPS’ article, “Special Olympics set to score more crucial goals for inclusion through its global football development strategy” which highlights Special Olympics’ global football strategy and the impact football has on people with and without intellectual disabilities around the world.
1 Min Read
FIFA, LOC and WHO team up in Seychelles to bring ‘Be Active’ to Special Olympics
FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup teamed up with Special Olympics and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote inclusion through the power of sport along with how to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
1 Min Read
The ‘R-word’ Inches Back into the Mainstream
An excerpt from the NBC News article detailing a recent return of the R-word in the language lexicon.
1 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
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