When Toby Sohn talks about Special Olympics, she talks less about competition and more about opportunity. Since joining in sixth grade, Sohn has competed in events, volunteered at the Special … [Read more...] about Every Student, Every School: How Currituck County Built a Culture of Inclusion
Athlete Spotlight
Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete Karol Diaz Scores Game-Winning Goal as East Defeats West in MLS Unified All-Star Game
Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Karol Diaz, representing the Charlotte FC Unified Team, scored the game-winning goal to lead the East team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the West team in the … [Read more...] about Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete Karol Diaz Scores Game-Winning Goal as East Defeats West in MLS Unified All-Star Game
A State in the Stands: How Fonz Carries North Carolina to the USA Games
Fourth installment in the SONC “Carrying North Carolina With Me” series “Carrying North Carolina With Me” celebrates the deep pride our Special Olympics athletes feel as they represent North … [Read more...] about A State in the Stands: How Fonz Carries North Carolina to the USA Games
The Weight of a State: Dean Hall Lifts for North Carolina
Third installment in the SONC “Carrying North Carolina With Me” series “Carrying North Carolina With Me” celebrates the deep pride our Special Olympics athletes feel as they represent North … [Read more...] about The Weight of a State: Dean Hall Lifts for North Carolina
“Follow Through”: The Art and Power of Rio Byrd
Second installment in the SONC “Carrying North Carolina With Me” series “Carrying North Carolina With Me” celebrates the deep pride our Special Olympics athletes feel as they represent North Carolina … [Read more...] about “Follow Through”: The Art and Power of Rio Byrd
Before the First Serve: The Quiet Work Behind Kara Diachenko’s USA Games Moment
First installment in the SONC “Carrying North Carolina With Me” series “Carrying North Carolina With Me” celebrates the deep pride our Special Olympics athletes feel as they represent North Carolina … [Read more...] about Before the First Serve: The Quiet Work Behind Kara Diachenko’s USA Games Moment
A Match Made in the Arena: Raegan and Lars’ Journey to the Winner’s Circle
When 10-year-old Raegan Hornung enters the arena with her horse, Lars, the world around her comes into focus. Together, they become a team defined not by challenges, but by confidence, connection and … [Read more...] about A Match Made in the Arena: Raegan and Lars’ Journey to the Winner’s Circle
Special Olympics NC Athlete Honored with 2025 Dan Piper Award
Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Paige Soderman was honored with the 2025 Dan Piper Award at this year’s NYC Buddy Walk®. A graduate of Western Carolina University’s Participant Program, Paige … [Read more...] about Special Olympics NC Athlete Honored with 2025 Dan Piper Award
A Family Affair: Striking More Than Pins
In the buzz of the bowling alley, pins crashing, cheers echoing, it’s easy to miss the steady rhythm of Anthony Brown and his son, Scott Rogers. But those who stop and watch quickly realize: this … [Read more...] about A Family Affair: Striking More Than Pins
The Unstoppable Jocelyn Gaines: Defying Expectations and Defining Her Future
In 2017, ten-year-old Jocelyn Gaines stood at the edge of a pool, ready, determined, and unaware that this first dive into the water would set the course for a life filled with gold medals, … [Read more...] about The Unstoppable Jocelyn Gaines: Defying Expectations and Defining Her Future
