{"id":8240,"date":"2025-05-14T14:39:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T21:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/?post_type=stories&#038;p=8240"},"modified":"2025-10-29T11:05:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T18:05:03","slug":"special-olympics","status":"publish","type":"stories","link":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/special-olympics\/","title":{"rendered":"Gliding to victory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    <div id=\"block_99c8cad84c998b60a173c91bc8d588fb\" class=\"js-card fullwidth-feature-bottom fullwidth-feature-bottom--bottom\" style=\"\">\n                                <div class=\"container row transition--in-up --has-eyebrow\">\n            <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header-wrapper col-md-14\">\n                <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header-wrapper\">\n                                        <h1 class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__header fullwidth-feature-bottom__header__size-h2 \">\n                                            Gliding to victory                                        <\/h1>\n                                                    <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__eyebrow-wrapper\">\n                            <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/collections\/the-uplift\/\"\n        target=\"\"\n            class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__eyebrow\">\n        The Uplift    <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__excerpt-wrapper col-md-6 offset-md-3\">\n                            <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__excerpt\">\n                    How Special Olympics is using Copilot to empower its organization and athletes, like members of the Special Olympics USA figure skating team.                <\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fullwidth-feature-bottom__media  fullwidth-feature-bottom__media--video transition--media\">\n        \n<div id=\"block_99c8cad84c998b60a173c91bc8d588fb_video-player\" class=\"video-player\">\n    <div id=\"videoplayer-1\" class=\"video-player__wrapper js-video-player theme-overlay  has-overlay-image\" aria-label=\"Watch \u201cHelping Special Olympics skaters shine\u201d\">\n        <div\n            id=\"video-player-overlay-c4e5fe40-a9e6-49c5-966c-2ac23148a5a6\"\n            class=\"video-player__overlay js-video-player-overlay\"\n            data-label-video-title=\"\u201cHelping Special Olympics skaters shine\u201d\"\n            data-label-desktop=\"\"\n            data-label-mobile=\"\">\n            <div class=\"video-player__overlay__container transition--player-overlay video-player__overlay__container--overlay-ultradark\">\n                \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image\">\n                        <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-Hero-1.gif 960w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-Hero-1-256x144.gif 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-Hero-1-480x270.gif 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-Hero-1-768x432.gif 768w\"\n                         \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-Hero-1.gif\"\n                                    width=\"960\"\n            height=\"540\"\n                        class=\"\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"video-player__overlay__info-container js-video-player-info-container\">\n                <span class=\"js-video-player__overlay__media-button\">\n                \n<button class=\"unlocked-button unlocked-button--circle \" aria-label=\"Play video, \u201cHelping Special Olympics skaters shine\u201d\">\n    <span class=\"unlocked-button__icon \"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"translate(3,0)\" d=\"M16.5 9.13397C17.1667 9.51887 17.1667 10.4811 16.5 10.866L1.5 19.5263C0.833331 19.9112 -9.36737e-07 19.4301 -9.03088e-07 18.6603L-1.45985e-07 1.33974C-1.12336e-07 0.569945 0.833334 0.0888199 1.5 0.47372L16.5 9.13397Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n    <span class=\" unlocked-button__pause-icon -hide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"12\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M0.5625 0C0.25184 0 0 0.25184 0 0.5625V17.4375C0 17.7482 0.25184 18 0.5625 18H2.4375C2.74816 18 3 17.7482 3 17.4375V0.5625C3 0.25184 2.74816 0 2.4375 0H0.5625ZM9.5625 0C9.25184 0 9 0.25184 9 0.5625V17.4375C9 17.7482 9.25184 18 9.5625 18H11.4375C11.7482 18 12 17.7482 12 17.4375V0.5625C12 0.25184 11.7482 0 11.4375 0H9.5625Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n<\/button>\n                <\/span>\n                                <span\n                    class=\"video-player__overlay__media-title\"\n                    aria-hidden=\"true\">Watch \u201cHelping Special Olympics skaters shine\u201d                <\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"video-player__overlay__media-duration\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        03:27                    <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div>\n            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14.437 6.59076C14.7773 6.59076 16.5305 6.59076 16.5305 6.59076V3.37844L13.6473 3.36719C10.4466 3.36719 9.71821 5.76304 9.71821 7.29624V9.43753H7.86719V12.7476H9.71821C9.71821 16.9957 9.71821 22.1141 9.71821 22.1141H13.6116C13.6116 22.1141 13.6116 16.9452 13.6116 12.7476H16.2387L16.5782 9.43753Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-69efb05d96fcf\">Facebook<\/title><\/svg>    <\/a>\n\n        <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Funlocked.microsoft.com%2Fspecial-olympics%2F\"\n        class=\"social-share__link js-social-share__new-window\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn\"\n            >\n        <svg class=\"svg-icon\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-labelledby=\"icon-69efb05d96fdb\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M7.35547 9.06274H3.41797V22.0002H7.35547V9.06274Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path d=\"M16.9197 9.06274C14.668 9.06274 14.0436 9.80074 13.543 10.7502V9.06274H9.60547V22.0002H13.543V14.6877C13.543 13.5627 13.543 12.4377 15.5117 12.4377C17.4805 12.4377 17.4805 13.5627 17.4805 14.6877V22.0002H21.418V14.6877C21.418 11.3127 20.8555 9.06274 16.9197 9.06274Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path d=\"M5.38672 7.9375C6.47403 7.9375 7.35547 7.05606 7.35547 5.96875C7.35547 4.88144 6.47403 4 5.38672 4C4.29941 4 3.41797 4.88144 3.41797 5.96875C3.41797 7.05606 4.29941 7.9375 5.38672 7.9375Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-69efb05d96fdb\">LinkedIn<\/title><\/svg>    <\/a>\n\n        \n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <div\n        class=\"sr-text js-social-status\"\n        role=\"status\"\n    ><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05d97f93\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05d97549\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h6 class=\"--h6\">The moment the Special Olympics USA figure skaters had been preparing for was finally here.\u00a0Years of training. Months of logistics. And one transatlantic journey\u2014all leading to this: the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.<\/h6>\n<p>As each athlete waited to be called onto the ice, coaches Heidi Parker and Nicole Fess leaned in for final pep talks. \u201cTake a deep breath. Wave at the judges. And remember, you\u2019ve worked hard. This is your moment.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0One skater, Beth Allen, smiled and gave two thumbs up. \u201cI know\u2014I\u2019ve got this!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Then, it was go time.<\/p>\n<p>For Special Olympics athletes, competing on the world stage before friends, family, and fans is a dream come true.\u00a0But it\u2019s an opportunity that didn\u2019t always exist.<\/p>\n<p>For too long, the competitive sports world excluded athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics movement began as a way to foster the acceptance and inclusion of all people through the power of sports, helping them discover new strengths, abilities, skills, and success.<\/p>\n<p>With an estimated 200 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics has an ambitious goal: to reach them all. It\u2019s a monumental task. But one the movement is working tirelessly to achieve, with the support of hundreds of employees. Thousands of volunteers. And a vast network of corporate partners, one of which is Microsoft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05d97ad5\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05d97d85\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h3 class=\"--h4\">Putting AI to work for everyone<\/h3>\n<p>Since 2014, Microsoft has supported Special Olympics by providing technology to the organization and its athletes. Recently, Special Olympics rolled Copilot out across the company, with staff using it for tasks like summarizing emails, taking notes, and translating communications between global offices. Right away, Kym Jordan, Vice President of Global Corporate Engagement at Special Olympics, noticed a boost in her own efficiency. Which got her thinking: How can AI help support people with intellectual disabilities?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCopilot has been a really effective way for us to save thousands of hours a year on administrative tasks\u2014time which we can reinvest back into supporting our athletes and reaching new people,\u201d says Kym. \u201cBut we also know that there are inherent biases in AI. So, we at Special Olympics want our staff and athletes to use Copilot, and through our partnership with Microsoft, work together to help make the product accessible to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin approaching, the organization introduced Copilot to members of the Special Olympics USA figure skating team as a powerful tool to help them train and prepare.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05d98d9c\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section\n\tid=\"block_1a23da22b287ce738b959c9c44f1167f\"\n\tclass=\"js-carousels-v2 carousels-v2 carousels-v2--horizontal js-carousels-v2--horizontal \"\n\taria-labelledby=\"heading-2-heading\">\n\t<div class=\"block-headings \">\n            <h2\n            class=\"block-headings__heading\"\n            id=\"heading-2-heading\">Meet the athletes<\/h2>\n    \n    <\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"carousels-v2--horizontal__wrapper\">\n\t\t\n<div\n    id=\"swiper-block_1a23da22b287ce738b959c9c44f1167f\"\n    class=\"js-carousels-v2__swiper swiper-carousel\">\n    <div class=\"swiper-wrapper swiper-carousel__wrapper\"> <!-- Additional required wrapper -->\n                    <div\n            class=\"swiper-slide\"\n            data-swiperindex=\"0\"\n            data-swiperstackorder=\"0\">\n            \n<figure class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">                    <picture class=\"js-focal-point\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1-256x256.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\"\n            data-focus-x=\"-0.470000\" data-focus-y=\"0.200000\"             \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI1_1x1.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"1080\"\n            height=\"1080\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and a &quot;Special Olympics USA&quot; jacket with the name &quot;Elizabeth A.&quot; smiles indoors.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>    \n<figcaption class=\"media-caption media-caption--large\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\"><div class=\"carousels-v2__slide-body\"><h3 class=\"--h5\">Beth Allen<\/h3>\n<p>Hailing from Harvest, Alabama, Beth has skated competitively for almost two decades. She loves spending time with friends and family and regaling them with stories.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo matter what, do your best and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div\n            class=\"swiper-slide\"\n            data-swiperindex=\"1\"\n            data-swiperstackorder=\"1\">\n            \n<figure class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">                    <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-256x144.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\"\n                         \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-7.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"2000\"\n            height=\"1125\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"A person in a blue and black sequined jacket stands on an ice rink, smiling and holding the rink barrier.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>    \n<figcaption class=\"media-caption media-caption--large\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\"><div class=\"carousels-v2__slide-body\"><h3 class=\"--h5\">Cody Wheatley<\/h3>\n<p>Though Cody lives in Huntsville, Alabama, he\u2019s quick to note he\u2019s from Florida. When not on the ice, he loves playing video games and hanging with his family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat I\u2019ve learned at the World Winter Games: Stay focused and never give up on your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div\n            class=\"swiper-slide\"\n            data-swiperindex=\"2\"\n            data-swiperstackorder=\"2\">\n            \n<figure class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">                    <picture class=\"js-focal-point\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1-256x256.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\"\n            data-focus-x=\"-0.530000\" data-focus-y=\"-0.020000\"             \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI3_1x1.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"1080\"\n            height=\"1080\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"A man wearing glasses and a black Special Olympics USA jacket with the name &quot;Deeb H.&quot; stands indoors, smiling.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>    \n<figcaption class=\"media-caption media-caption--large\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\"><div class=\"carousels-v2__slide-body\"><h3 class=\"--h5\">Deeb Habchi<\/h3>\n<p>Deeb has been a Special Olympics athlete since 2008. From Huntsville, Alabama, he loves to sing and has a knack for performance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe thing about figure skating is, even if you fall, you just get up and try again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div\n            class=\"swiper-slide\"\n            data-swiperindex=\"3\"\n            data-swiperstackorder=\"3\">\n            \n<figure class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image unlocked-media--has-caption\">\n    <div class=\"unlocked-media__content\">                    <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1-256x256.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\"\n                         \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI4_1x1.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"1080\"\n            height=\"1080\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and a &quot;Special Olympics USA&quot; jacket with the name &quot;Cori P.&quot; looks to the side in a kitchen setting.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>    \n<figcaption class=\"media-caption media-caption--large\">\n            <div class=\"media-caption__caption\"><div class=\"carousels-v2__slide-body\"><h3 class=\"--h5\">Cori Piels<\/h3>\n<p>From Rochester, New York, Cori has competed in Special Olympics for over 20 years. She\u2019s a certified figure skating coach herself and serves on her regional Athlete Leadership Counsel.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is not about disability, it\u2019s about ability. It\u2019s about what we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n                    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"swiper-carousel-nav\">\n    <button\n        id=\"swiper-prev-block_1a23da22b287ce738b959c9c44f1167f\"\n        class=\"swiper-carousel-nav__arrow js-swiper_nav--prev featured-story-list__swiper_nav--prev\"\n        aria-label=\"Go to previous slide\">\n        <svg width=\"19\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M19 9H2M10 1L2 9L10 17\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linejoin=\"miter\"\/><\/svg>    <\/button>\n    <button\n        id=\"swiper-next-block_1a23da22b287ce738b959c9c44f1167f\"\n        class=\"swiper-carousel-nav__arrow js-swiper_nav--next featured-story-list__swiper_nav--next\"\n        aria-label=\"Go to next slide\">\n        <svg width=\"19\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"  role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 9 H17 M9 1 L17 9 L9 17\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linejoin=\"miter\"\/><\/svg>    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05de611d\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-2\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_69efb05de6c7a\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-4 column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05de664f\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05de6518\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05de6ad3\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05de6823\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h3 class=\"--h4\">\u201cHey Copilot&#8230;\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>For Deeb, Copilot was like a tablet-sized personal trainer, suggesting exercises like Russian twists to strengthen his core. Cody also found Copilot helpful for getting strength-training programs, diet tips, and\u2026something a little unexpected: comic relief.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h6 class=\"--h6\">\u201cCopilot\u2019s jokes definitely get me,\u201d Cody said.<\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Figure skating isn\u2019t just about mastering swizzles and camel spins. It\u2019s also about style, and Cori turned to Copilot for help designing her figure skating costume. \u201cCori is a very graceful skater, and wanted a design reflecting that,\u201dexplains Nicole Fess, Special Olympics USA Head Figure Skating Coach. With her favorite color (pink) and details like \u201cflowy with sleeves\u201d as prompts, Cori iterated with Copilot until landing on a shimmery pink dress with rhinestones and pleats. Her mom, Karalee Piels, brought the design to life by selecting and sewing a soft chiffon fabric into a dress for Cori.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05de6f85\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_85f6a9e888ebbb0506ff1fa17308925a\" class=\"video-player\">\n    <div id=\"videoplayer-3\" class=\"video-player__wrapper js-video-player theme-overlay  has-overlay-image\" aria-label=\"Watch \u201cBringing a skating costume to life\u201d\">\n        <div\n            id=\"video-player-overlay-cec46ee3-4786-4457-a3c4-5ddbeec6774b\"\n            class=\"video-player__overlay js-video-player-overlay\"\n            data-label-video-title=\"\u201cBringing a skating costume to life\u201d\"\n            data-label-desktop=\"An older woman places a comforting hand on a younger woman's shoulder as they talk in a bright room with a laptop on the desk behind them.\"\n            data-label-mobile=\"\">\n            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d=\"M28.6602 13.2007C28.9184 13.0224 29.1672 12.8692 29.3936 12.6917C30.4986 11.8247 31.2113 10.7249 31.6103 9.44678C31.9755 8.2769 32.0442 7.08476 31.8954 5.87855C31.7718 4.87875 31.4701 3.93011 30.935 3.05001C30.393 2.15865 29.6782 1.4136 28.735 0.86574C28.7158 0.854486 28.6973 0.84221 28.6787 0.829933C28.6759 0.827887 28.6757 0.822515 28.6704 0.808192C28.7128 0.805379 28.7521 0.800519 28.7918 0.800519C29.2534 0.800008 29.7153 0.797707 30.1769 0.802822C30.2506 0.803589 30.3335 0.823538 30.3961 0.85909C31.2761 1.35656 31.9547 2.03767 32.4869 2.84641C33.1276 3.81961 33.472 4.88336 33.5908 6.01206C33.7208 7.24564 33.6335 8.46182 33.2243 9.6491C32.8319 10.7875 32.1822 11.7786 31.2138 12.5782C30.9641 12.7843 30.6806 12.9559 30.4094 13.1393C30.3634 13.1705 30.3008 13.1976 30.2456 13.1979C29.7244 13.2025 29.203 13.2007 28.6602 13.2007Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><title id=\"icon-69efb05e7e45c\">Audio Described<\/title><\/svg><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e7e7a9\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-0 spacer--desktop-only\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_69efb05e7f298\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-4 column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05e7ecc4\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e7eb91\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05e7f137\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e7ee8e\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <p>The athletes also used Copilot to help build overall confidence, whether by learning phrases in Italian (Buongiorno!), gathering travel tips, or rehearsing for interviews. During practice, Beth often talked to the AI like a helpful companion.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h6 class=\"--h6\">\u201cHey Copilot, I\u2019m going to Italy for competition.\u201d Its response? \u201cCongratulations, Beth, you\u2019re going to do great!\u201d<\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>For Nicole, Copilot was a huge help in preparing for the off-ice aspects of the World Winter Games, like press duties. \u201cCori did a lot of press leading up to the Games, and while she\u2019s already a natural on camera, it helped us anticipate questions and feel fully prepared,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e7f592\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-3\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_69efb05e96c24\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-2 row--reverse-mobile column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05e80deb\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div id=\"block_8f9d20f0273e393c9546f943b46c1673\" class=\"transition--in-up \">\n    <div class=\"pullquote pullquote__left pullquote__h5\">\n        <blockquote class=\"quote quote__h5 quote--show-marks\">It just adapts to everybody. If you need it to talk slower or faster, or you need it to connect to a hearing aid, or you need the text to be larger, it\u2019s very user-friendly for everybody.<\/blockquote>\n                    <div class=\"quote__attribution\">\n                                    <div class=\"attribution-name\">Heidi Parker<\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"attribution-description\">Beth, Cody, and Deeb\u2019s coach<\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05e96af2\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_465fb465525ccb74b16f8b7e68dfc009\"\n    class=\"media-block transition--media\">\n    \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image\">\n                        <picture class=\"\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-256x144.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\"\n                        sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 92vw, 85vw\" \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Special-Olympics-2025-2.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"2000\"\n            height=\"1125\"\n                        class=\"ratio--3-2\"\n            alt=\"Four people wearing skating outfits and jackets stand in a circle on an ice rink, placing their hands together in the center as a gesture of teamwork.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e965a3\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e968b7\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <p>Special Olympics is also integrating Copilot into its registration, volunteer, and education platforms, so athletes can absorb and engage with information in the ways that suit them best. Which, according to Kym, is creating a lasting impact beyond just athlete participation in sports. \u201cIt\u2019s leveling the playing field. It\u2019s making sure our athletes are able to step up in the way that they want to and be confident in their decision making. Copilot has allowed us to give them \u00a0tools that help with their everyday lives.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05e96f05\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-6 spacer-mobile-4\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_69efb05eadb6f\" class=\"row row--space-between column__container mobile-column-gap-4 column--layout-40-60\">\n    \n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05eaaa46\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_9c2b895f0f70583c6a725419b8ebebd4\"\n    class=\"media-block transition--media\">\n    \n<div class=\"unlocked-media media-image js-media-image\">\n                        <picture class=\"js-focal-point\">\n                        <source\n            srcset=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1-256x256.jpg 256w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\"\n            data-focus-x=\"0.550000\" data-focus-y=\"0.110000\"            sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 92vw, 85vw\" \/>\n                        <img\n            src=\"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/HC0333_MS_SpecialOlympicsCampaign_SI5_1x1.jpg\"\n                                    width=\"1080\"\n            height=\"1080\"\n                        class=\"ratio--1-1\"\n            alt=\"Three female athletes wearing medals smile and pose together; the athlete on the right raises her hand in a peace sign.\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            decoding=\"async\" \/>\n            <\/picture>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"block-column_69efb05ead9c4\" class=\"column column-vertical-align--top\">\n    \n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05eaaca7\"\n    class=\"rich-text transition--in-up \">\n    <h3 class=\"--h4\">Leaving it on the ice<\/h3>\n<p>One by one, the athletes skated their routines to boisterous applause. And, one by one, the medal results rolled in.<\/p>\n<p>Beth Allen: Silver medal!<br \/>\nCody Wheatley: Gold medal!<br \/>\nDeeb Habchi: Gold medal!<br \/>\nCori Piels: Bronze medal!<\/p>\n<p>As soon as she hit the ice, Cori instinctively felt she was going to crush it. \u201cRight away, I knew that this was it\u2014my dream coming true,\u201d she says. Cori\u2019s mom, Karalee, also felt the full-circle significance of it all. \u201cTo see her work for 20 years and achieve everything she wanted\u2014from perfecting her routine to designing her dress\u2014I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever been so emotional in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>By giving it their all, Beth, Cody, Deeb, and Cori proved what\u2019s possible when everyone gets a fair shot. That with hard work, ambition, and the right support, no dream is too big. Heidi believes tools like Copilot will continue to amplify this potential. As she puts it: \u201cI believe the partnership between Microsoft and Special Olympics has really married two worlds that will enrich and enhance any athlete\u2019s life, from everyday activities to training in their specific sports. Copilot is for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"--caption1\"><span data-teams=\"true\">Donate <a id=\"menurst0\" class=\"fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/rewards.bing.com\/redeem\/000900000011?causeid=840-520889518&amp;form=my02dl&amp;ocid=my02dl&amp;publ=mscominproduct&amp;crea=my02dl\" href=\"https:\/\/rewards.bing.com\/redeem\/000900000011?causeId=840-520889518&amp;form=MY02DL&amp;OCID=MY02DL&amp;PUBL=MSCOMInProduct&amp;CREA=MY02DL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link Microsoft Rewards\">Microsoft Rewards<\/a> points to support Special Olympics.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n    id=\"block_69efb05eade80\"\n    class=\"spacer spacer-9 spacer-mobile-6\">\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Special Olympics is using Copilot to empower its organization and athletes, like members of the Special Olympics USA figure skating team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8240","stories","type-stories","status-publish","hentry","collections-the-uplift","entry","page-content"],"acf":{"featured_media_featured_scrim_color":"#2a446f","featured_media_card_ratio":"5-4","featured_media_card_image":"","featured_media_card_video":8266,"featured_media_card_video_button_desc":"","featured_media_featured_image":"","featured_media_featured_video":8266,"featured_media_featured_video_button_desc":"","featured_media_featured_headline":"","featured_media_featured_excerpt":"","featured_media_search_image":8234,"featured_media_search_card_image":"","featured_media_search_card_video":"","featured_media_search_card_video_button_desc":"","disable_segoe_serif":false,"settings":{"external_url":"","collections":6}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/stories\/8240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/stories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/stories"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlocked.microsoft.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}