Feature Stories

The Special Olympics movement celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, reflecting on a half-century of fighting for inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Nearly 50 years ago, … [Read more...] about Prove Them Wrong

In 2021, Special Olympics Gaston County created the Jonathan Henley Athlete of the Year Award in memory of local athlete Jonathan Henley. A Special Olympics athlete for nearly 30 years, Henley is … [Read more...] about In Henley’s Honor

At Gigi’s Playhouse, the mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. At Special Olympics, individuals with intellectual disabilities … [Read more...] about Partnering With the Playhouse

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are, as with many marginalized populations, stigmatized using labels. Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC), a leader in the movement for inclusion, grants … [Read more...] about Unlabeled

“I would be home alone in my apartment and my roommate would come home and hear me jumping around and screaming, having the time of my life. He was like, ‘Oh, that’s just Josh again doing his Special … [Read more...] about Feel Better Button

On an average day, Special Olympics Orange County athlete Ethan Porwick can easily log more than 40,000 steps on a pedometer, that’s about 20 miles. Competing and training in athletics, tennis and … [Read more...] about Ethan Porwick: Goes the Distance

Today, more people are watching esports content in the United States than the NBA, MLB or NHL, equating to nearly 90 million viewers. These statistics, according to Forbes, reflect a shift in … [Read more...] about New League in Town

In rural Orange County, just off of North Carolina Highway 54, is a haven in full bloom. A Chapel-Hill-based flower farm, Blawesome is the product of a family’s dream to have their son gain … [Read more...] about In Full Bloom

Mason Sledge is a superhero; not in the conforming, stereotypical sense of the word. Mason Sledge is not the undercover warrior, clad in spandex, sporting a neon symbol hinting at his fictional … [Read more...] about Super Sledge

He’s the chief law enforcement officer in New Hanover County, tasked with the enforcement of laws, the prevention of crime and the preservation of order. Since 1991, Sheriff Ed McMahon has been … [Read more...] about Nobody’s Too Busy