14 June 2023 Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE), a regional office of Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) has partnered with Story10, the global sports video production and distribution agency, to increase the international exposure and awareness of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 (World Games) through its global distribution network. The partnership will also promote the first-ever SOI Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion (Leadership Coalition).
The World Games, the world’s largest inclusive sporting event where 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete across 26 different sports, will take place from 17 – 25 June 2023 in Berlin. Through the partnership, Story10 will amplify event highlights and content from the World Games across its global distribution network of broadcast, digital and social media outlets, giving Special Olympic athletes and their achievements increased visibility.
Utilising Story10’s partner network, all content will be promoted in key markets across multiple platforms, including guaranteed placement on sport-dedicated social channels, and will drive international awareness, and reach untapped potential new audiences worldwide.
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia encompasses a diverse range of cultures, languages, and customs traversing 58 countries in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. There are close to 350,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in SOEE. From Iceland to Israel, and Portugal to Kazakhstan, Special Olympics promotes respect, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
The Leadership Coalition is made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and has engaged national governments to provide domestic financing and technical assistance to expand the impact and reach of Special Olympics inclusive programming, namely its inclusive education through the Special Olympics Unified Sports® (Unified Sports®) and Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® sports platforms.
James Dobbs, Managing Director of Story10’s parent company SNTV, said, “With their World Games and Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, the Special Olympics organisation is a fantastic example of the unifying power of sport. Being able to amplify their content through Story10’s unique global distribution network, will ensure increased exposure and awareness of these important events and the even greater movement for inclusivity.”
SOEE Regional President and Managing Director David Evangelista said: “This partnership with Story10 will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary abilities of our athletes and showcase the transformative power of sport in today’s world. Together, we will captivate audiences across the Europe/Eurasia region and worldwide, leaving a lasting impact for those who need it most and igniting increased action as part of the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 and the exciting launch of the Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion."
