Press Release
For Immediate Release
Special Olympics International Board of Directors Appoints New Board Member
Washington, D.C. – David Rutherford, Chairman of Special Olympics New Zealand, was elected to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors as the Asia-Pacific International Advisory Committee Representative by the Asia-Pacific Advisory Committee during its annual business meeting. Rutherford will represent the Special Olympics Program in the Asia Pacific Region as a full voting member of International Board during his three-year term and participated in his first board meeting today.
The Special Olympics International Board is the ultimate governing authority for the Special Olympics movement and is composed of global leaders in the areas of business, government, disability, sports and entertainment. All Directors are elected for a three-year term and may be re-elected twice, for a maximum of nine consecutive years.
“It’s a privilege to welcome David Rutherford to our International Board,” said Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver. “David is an incredible leader and passionate advocate for sport and promoting the development of people with intellectual disabilities. His expertise and dedication will help our Board of Directors shape the future of Special Olympics.”
Special Olympics is a global sporting organization supporting more than 3.1 million athletes with intellectual disabilities in 175 countries. In the Asia Pacific region, Special Olympics Programs are active in 22 countries.
“We are delighted to have someone of David’s calibre contributing to the future strategic direction for our organization as a whole and particularly in our Asia Pacific region,” said Dr. John Dow, Special Olympics Asia Pacific Managing Director. “We recognize his strength and expertise, not only in sports governance and leadership, but also his understanding of volunteer engagement and retention. David joins the Special Olympics International Board of Directors at a great time as the organization is developing its next five-year strategic plan.”
Rutherford takes up this role immediately and will remain as Board Chairman of Special Olympics New Zealand. He will remain based in Wellington, New Zealand.
New Board Member Profile
David Rutherford has been involved with Special Olympics leadership for the past four years, serving on the Special Olympics Board in New Zealand first as a volunteer, and then as its Chairman. Rutherford is a sport and commercial lawyer and a lecturer in sports law with a particular interest in human rights law. He also volunteers as a junior rugby coach and as the Chairman of his local rugby club. He was formerly Chief Executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and has senior management experience in agribusiness and building materials manufacturing.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly 3.1 million athletes in 175 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.
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