10 years ago, I volunteered at my first Special Olympics sporting event. I was in middle school then, and I still recognize that day as one of the most impactful experiences of my youth. It turned out to be a pivotal moment, ultimately changing the trajectory of my life—a moment every person connected to the Special Olympics global movement has experienced and cherishes. I am honored to share my story with you.
Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities (ID). It is the world’s largest sports organization for individuals with ID, offering year-round training and competitions in more than 190 countries. Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and volunteers across 32 Olympic-styled sports. The movement extends beyond the sports arena, driving innovations in inclusive health, Unifying schools, and fostering leadership.
Throughout high school, I served as the president of our Special Olympics Project Unify club, played on the Unified basketball team, and worked as a SOAR Special Recreation summer camp facilitator for youth and adults with ID. My world was filled with joy and inclusion, with athletes at the center of my community life.
Deeply inspired by the power of inclusion demonstrated by my community and the Special Olympics movement, I attended Florida International University and was awarded my bachelor’s degree in international relations and human rights. I focused my studies on how inclusion can be used as a tool for international peace and the protection of rights. I also became obsessed with the intersections of disability visibility and forced migration.
After completing a Fulbright award in Slovakia, I chose to continue my journey with Special Olympics. I applied for an internship and am now working with the Young Athletes team at the headquarters in Washington, DC. Young Athletes is an early childhood play program that aligns with Special Olympics through early health intervention by promoting inclusive health, developing sports skills, and fostering leadership in children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) ages 2 to 7.
40%
People with intellectual disabilities have a greater risk of preventable secondary health conditions—40% higher than the general population.
80%
Out of the 1 billion people globally who have a disability, it is estimated that 1 in 10 are children, with 80% living in developing countries.
90%
90% of children with disabilities in developing countries are not in school.
Through my internship, I have learned eye-opening lessons and gained a deeper understanding of the crucial global need for early intervention in the lives of young children with ID.
Children with ID face extensive barriers to inclusion, including limited access to early childhood development programs and health services, and a general lack of recognition. In many communities, societal perceptions often overlook the full potential of children with intellectual disabilities. Stigma fosters isolation and exclusion, which results in delayed development and limited opportunities for growth. Young Athletes programming creates opportunities for youth with ID. These opportunities support the drive for inclusion and acceptance at the center of the Special Olympics mission.
During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in youth advocacy, promoting the visibility of children with intellectual disabilities and actively working to eliminate barriers that restrict their opportunities.
Gain in Motor Skills
I participated in Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day, where I worked with over 200 advocates including athletes to raise awareness and secure U.S. government funding for the Young Athletes program and Special Olympics’ efforts in education and health.
In addition, I assisted in collecting stories and media from local programs across all Young Athletes regions. This storytelling effort aimed to enhance worldwide visibility for Young Athletes on World Children’s Day, a global day of action for children, by children.
Furthermore, I gained international working experience as a Delegate Assistant Liaison (DAL) at the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin, Italy. It is the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event of the year.
Young Athletes gained global attention this year at the Special Olympics Winter World Games. For the first time, virtual and in-person participation in Young Athletes was offered simultaneously, empowering over 2,000 children to play and marking the largest Young Athletes activation since its inception in 2004. In 2024, more than 270,000 children participated in Young Athletes globally.
This is my final week as a Young Athletes Intern, and the knowledge and experience I’ve gained have been truly invaluable. I started this role eager to contribute to the Inclusion Revolution, and I’ve had the opportunity to grow personally and professionally in ways I never expected. My team at SOI has shown me fantastic leadership and motivated me to continue my journey with Special Olympics in a new role on the Leadership and Development team. Moreover, I am pursuing a master’s degree in refugee protection and forced migration online at the University of London. Looking ahead, I plan to apply my expertise to support Young Athletes and adults with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Unified with Refugees programming.
I am eager to continue my work with Special Olympics—the organization has proven to be a true powerhouse in advancing inclusion. If you’re not yet involved, I highly encourage you to connect with your local program and explore the many ways you can contribute to the mission. Join the 1 million volunteers and coaches worldwide who are making a difference. Additionally, Special Olympics International occasionally hires interns and fellows to support their initiatives in Washington, D.C. If you’re a current student or recent graduate, take inspiration from my story and the lessons I’ve learned and keep an eye on the careers page for upcoming opportunities.
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