WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 12, 2019: Special Olympics International announced today that Károly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will join the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.
Dr. Mirnics is the director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute and the Hattie B. Munroe Professor of Psychiatry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is a leader in innovation and medicine, as is best demonstrated by his vast list of accomplishments. He has devoted much of his career to understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular emphasis on investigating the effects of interactions between genes and environment on the developing brain.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Karoly Mirnics to our Board of Directors he is more than a distinguished physician. He is committed to challenging the status quo, a key element for creating an inclusive and welcoming world for everyone.”
“Special Olympics is an amazing organization—they care, improve lives, and build inclusive futures,” said Dr. Mirnics. “It is a pleasure, privilege, and honor to serve.”
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., the chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said, “Special Olympics is a positive force worldwide in the lives of many people with disabilities and complex health needs. Dr. Mirnics’ career long commitment to transforming the lives of these individuals, their families, and their communities makes him a perfect choice to take on this leadership role. I, as well as all his colleagues at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, expect him to do great things as part of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and also are honored to know that he has been selected for this critically important service.”
The Special Olympics International Board of Directors determines international policies for Special Olympics and is composed of Special Olympics athletes, along with leaders in health, business, government, disability, sports, and entertainment. Board Members are elected to three-year terms and may be re-elected twice—for up to nine consecutive years of service.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including Bank of America, the Christmas Records Trust, The Coca-Cola Company, ESPN, Essilor Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, IKEA Foundation, the Lane Family, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Lions Clubs International, Safilo Group, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, TOYOTA, United Airlines, and The Walt Disney Company. Click here for a full list of partners. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
