IT'S FEEL GOOD FRIDAY
Stories of inclusion that will make you smile!

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CHAMP JOINS THE TEAM!

Meet Champ, the new four‐legged mascot for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, a golden retriever on a mission. Not just cute and cuddly, Champ will spread joy, comfort athletes, and bring people together with tail wags, high fives, and community spirit.

MEET THE GOOD(EST) BOY >> [link removed]

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ATHLETES IN THE FAST LANE

Five Special Olympics athletes made history at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, being featured on a Formula 1 racecar and proving that inclusion belongs on every track.

SEE THEM SHINE >> [link removed]

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PATRICE SCORES BIG AT THE EMMYS

Patrice the Movie just made Emmy history! This powerful film celebrates athlete Patrice Jetter’s journey and reminds the world what inclusion really looks like.

WATCH HER ACCEPTANCE SPEECH >> [link removed]

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ALL EYES ON LINDSEY

Special Education teacher Lindsey Smith was named the 2024 Rising Star for her incredible work coaching Unified track & field and basketball in Rhode Island. She’s creating spaces where kids with and without intellectual disabilities learn together, grow together, and cheer each other on.

COACH. MENTOR. ICON. >> [link removed]

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NEXT STOP: USA GAMES

Imagine lining up in front of 30,000 fans to run a 15-second race. That’s exactly what Marquel Russell did and now the Kansas track champ is headed to the 2026 USA Games. But his story doesn’t stop at the finish line...

MEET MARQUEL >> [link removed]
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