News & Stories

In itself, coaching is a heavy lift. Special Olympics USA assistant powerlifting coach Nina Weston is accustomed to the weight. As a certified personal trainer, she established her coaching resume prior to learning about Special Olympics. At the Sparta-White County Family YMCA in Tennessee, she is the fitness and wellness director. In addition, she is a conditioning coach, a group fitness instructor and aquatics instructor.

Behind the powerhouse that is Special Olympics USA, there is its management team. This dedicated group of individuals has joined the delegation in Berlin as experts in medical care, logistics, communication and sport. Unique to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, the Special Olympics USA Sport Management Team is comprised of all women.

Special Olympics USA rhythmic gymnastics athlete Colleen Costello sets a precedent in every room she enters. An athlete leader, she takes her role seriously, which means setting an example for her peers and illustrating the mission of Special Olympics through action. She is the first athlete to serve on the Special Olympics Illinois Board of Directors and is in her second term. At the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, she set a precedent from her first routine, a mentality that earned her the first gold medal for Special Olympics USA.

Behind the powerhouse that is Special Olympics USA, there is its management team. This dedicated group of individuals has joined the delegation in Berlin as experts in medical care, logistics, communication and sport. Unique to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, the Special Olympics USA Sport Management Team is comprised of all women.

Sometimes, athleticism is an inherited trait. Sometimes, you have a great teacher. Special Olympics USA cycling athlete Sean O’Rourke’s son is blessed with both. Sean has completed the IRONMAN Lake Placid in 14 hours, the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. Of all his accomplishments, he is most proud of becoming a father to his son, Sean.

Sometimes, athleticism is an inherited trait. Sometimes, you have a great teacher. Special Olympics USA cycling athlete Sean O’Rourke’s son is blessed with both. Sean has completed the IRONMAN Lake Placid in 14 hours, the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. Of all his accomplishments, he is most proud of becoming a father to his son, Sean.

Sometimes, athleticism is an inherited trait. Sometimes, you have a great teacher. Special Olympics USA cycling athlete Sean O’Rourke’s son is blessed with both. Sean has completed the IRONMAN Lake Placid in 14 hours, the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. Of all his accomplishments, he is most proud of becoming a father to his son, Sean.

Though he is miles from home, he is surrounded by many a proud moment as a role model, as a coach for the City Hawks Unified Training Club. Representing Special Olympics USA, the team competed in their first match of the Special Olympics World Games on Sunday, June 18, against Special Olympics Germany. Joe’s first Father’s Day was spent on the sidelines, helping to lead his team. June 18 also happens to be his birthday.

In the 87 years that have passed since the 1936 Summer Olympics, Berlin still resounds with the voices, the footsteps of history’s greatest. From the 2006 FIFA World Cup final to many a night with The Rolling Stones, the grounds are magnetic, attracting talent from across the world. The 1936 Summer Olympics saw the likes of Jesse Owens, who would become the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Between the moments that would define the greatest athletes in the world, the crowd in attendance was entertained by performance troupes.

Special Olympics USA soccer athlete Robbie Wilson is traveling outside of the United States for the first time. Known for its distinct architecture, Special Olympics USA’s Host Town locations of Bremen and Bremerhaven are a world of novelty for the New York City native. Quite unlike the bustling streets of Manhattan, Bremen is a haven of recreational oases and bike paths. Bordering the North Sea, Robbie experienced a monumental first during the group’s visit to Bremerhaven, a boat ride.