[Brussels, Belgium – 22 September 2025] Marking one of the highlight events of the 10th anniversary of European Week of Sport, the very first Special Olympics European Union (SO EU) Day will bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, EU leaders, and citizens for two days of sport, dialogue, and action.
Hosted at the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, between 24 and 25 September, the event will spotlight Special Olympics’ role as a strategic partner in advancing EU policies on inclusion.
Over the two days, policymakers from EU institutions will engage directly with Special Olympics athletes with and Unified Partners without intellectual disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders to explore the transformative power of sport in driving inclusion across education, health, and international development.
The SO EU Day program will feature bilateral meetings, a networking reception, Unified Sports Experience, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will play together as teammates in table tennis and bocce, and a symbolic Unified Walk linking the European Commission to the European Parliament. The event will conclude with a Closing Assembly hosted by MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, featuring keynote speeches and discussions on the European Sports Model, the EU Disability Strategy, health equity and inclusive education.
“The Special Olympics European Union Day highlights the strong and growing partnership between the European Union and the Special Olympics movement in driving inclusive development through sport across the region. The day will serve as a call to action, underscoring the myriad of ways individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrich our neighborhoods and nations.”
“Over these two days, the athletes of Special Olympics invite Europe’s policymakers and leaders to stand shoulder to shoulder with their message of unity and solidarity, and to further position inclusion as not a charitable gesture, but as a strategic imperative for the future.”
“We feel honored to be working so closely with and thankful for the strong support of so many across the European Union and European Commission, where ideas become commitments, and commitments create lasting positive change.”
The two-day program is designed to foster open dialogue, giving EU leaders the opportunity to hear directly from athletes and their families about the realities and opportunities of building inclusive communities. The Unified Sports Experience will allow athletes and policymakers to play side-by-side, demonstrating the tangible impact of inclusion in action.”
Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
“Inclusion is not a side project, it is the very foundation of a Europe that works for all. By partnering with Special Olympics, we are showing that policies are only as powerful as the people they touch.”
“This event gives us the chance to walk the talk, to share the pitch, and to experience firsthand the human connection that inclusive sport fosters. It is more than a milestone for the European Week of Sport, it is a signal to every community that when we make space for everyone, we strengthen the very fabric of our Union.”
Special Olympics Ireland athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Margaret Turley added: “As an athlete, I know firsthand how sport can change lives, boosting confidence, building friendships, and giving everyone the chance to show what they are capable of.”
“Special Olympics European Union Day is a unique opportunity to share that experience with Europe’s policymakers, to show them not just the challenges we face, but also the incredible potential that inclusion unlocks. It is important for people with intellectual disabilities to speak directly to policymakers, because no one understands our needs and aspirations better than we do ourselves.”
“I am deeply grateful to the European Union for hosting this event and for recognizing that inclusion strengthens communities, empowers people, and inspires positive change across our continent."
SO EU Day underscores the European Union’s commitment to advancing the EU Disability Strategy and aligns with the European Week of Sport’s #BeActive campaign by showcasing how inclusive sport contributes to healthier, more cohesive societies.
