News & Stories

Special Olympics USA families traveled thousands of miles to cheer for USA. Tennis athlete Heidi Sand’s family happened to be in the neighborhood. In 1955, Heidi’s grandparents immigrated to the United States from Germany. From her mother, Jacque Martin, and her grandmother, Sabina Jurchen, Heidi learned the culture. An ocean away, they remained in contact with their extended family, sharing life updates via Facebook. The last time Heidi saw her family from Germany, she was 4 years old. Thirty-three years later, they watched her win gold at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Special Olympics USA Unified sailing partner Bobby Westlake carpooled to elementary school with a family friend and their daughter, his classmate. Decades later, he would compete with that classmate’s son in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. Athlete Tyler Dodson and his Unified partner Bobby began sailing together in January. Prior to training as a team, they chartered their respective courses.

The Phoenix Police Department radio code for a suspicious person or activity is 647. It’s a call for backup. Head Special Olympics USA 3x3 Unified basketball coach Mary Roberts and assistant coach Mandy Faust have a combined 55 years of experience with the Phoenix Police Department and have used that code many a time. Now retired, the two have introduced the code to their team.

In any given room, Special Olympics USA cycling athlete Alisha Dey is not the loudest. Her smile says it all. At the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, you can find her in the front row at every awards ceremony. She’s not chanting, she’s not clapping, but she’s smiling, in awe of her fellow athletes.

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.