[Washington, DC, USA – 30 January 2026] Special Olympics International has named Sven Albrecht Regional President and Managing Director of its Europe Eurasia region, effective 1 April 2026. Albrecht will provide strategic direction and oversee program operations in 58 countries in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
“Sven’s experience shaping Special Olympics Germany into the powerhouse it is today, coupled with his leadership over the celebration of a remarkable 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, makes Sven a tremendous asset for our Europe Eurasia Region and the wider movement,” said David Evangelista, President and CEO of Special Olympics. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to building partnerships, mobilizing teams, and creating increased opportunities for our athletes on and off the field. Nations across the region are positioned to now benefit from Sven’s longstanding dedication and passion for our movement.”
Albrecht has dedicated more than 20 years to the global sport movement, originally serving as an intern with Special Olympics Germany in 2003. He played a key role in bolstering local programming in German states, particularly Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Berlin. This grassroots programming laid a crucial foundation for the sustainable development of inclusive programming for people with intellectual disabilities across the country.
For several years, Albrecht managed all sports for the national organization and since 2010 has served as National Director of Special Olympics Germany. Under his leadership, Special Olympics Germany grew significantly in athlete participation, expanded its programmatic initiatives, and elevated political recognition including becoming a full member of the German Olympic Sport Association (DOSB).
"It is a great pleasure and honor for me to assume responsibility as President and Managing Director for the Europe Eurasia region. I am firmly convinced that together with the National Programs and the SOEE team, we will further strengthen the region and drive greater inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I thank Special Olympics International for their trust and look forward to many encounters with the athletes. Together, we are stronger. "
“Special Olympics is more than a professional chapter for Sven,” said Christiane Krajewski, President of Special Olympics Germany. “His tireless dedication to inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities is truly inspirational. His imprint on our national program will endure for a long time, and he has set a high bar for the next leader of Special Olympics Germany.”
Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is among Albrecht’s many significant achievements. He led the bid, preparation, and delivery of the nine-day global event for 6,500 athletes from 176 national delegations. Additionally, Berlin 2023 boasts:
- 26 sports, 1,300 competitions, and 4,000 medals
- 18,000 volunteers
- 330,000 visitors
- 800 hours of competition
- 400 hours of live broadcast through a first-of-its-kind 11-member media alliance
- 100,000 tickets sold
- 15,000 Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screenings
As a result, Albrecht has secured long-term public financing as well as numerous private sector partners, resulting in considerable political support for Special Olympics Germany.
The previous Regional President and Managing Director for Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer by the Special Olympics International Board of Directors at the beginning of the year.
