Washington, D.C., 31 January 2024 – Ten Special Olympics athletes have been selected to serve as 2024 – 2027 Sargent Shriver Global Messengers, prestigious spokesperson roles for the global sports movement.
Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (SSGMs) are powerful communicators representing their fellow athletes to the world. Their responsibility is to convey the urgency of inclusion, invite people into the movement, and demonstrate that Special Olympics is every day, everywhere, for everyone.
The ten 2024 – 2027 SSGMs:
- Gilmour Borg, Malta
- Grace Payne, New Zealand
- Margaret Turley, Ireland
- Melissa de León Mazariegos, Guatemala
- Mujahid Ishaq Mohamed Al-Sarhani, Oman
- Pablo Martin Composto, Argentina
- Wyatt Spalding, USA, Nebraska
- Susan Wang, Canada, British Columbia
- Yeruult Batbayar, Mongolia
- Malvin Mukombe, Zimbabwe
“Special Olympics athletes are the most authentic representatives of our global sports movement. Sargent Shriver Global Messengers are our strongest voices for inclusion, and I am proud for them to travel the world to spread the message of hope and inclusion.”
The new class of SSGMs will meet at Special Olympics headquarters in Washington, DC, for in-depth training sponsored by Bank of America May 6 – 10 to fine-tune their skills as global spokespersons.
“As a long-time partner to Special Olympics International, Bank of America is committed to advocating for a more inclusive society by elevating the voices and stories of Special Olympics athletes worldwide” said Ebony Thomas, President of the Bank of America Foundation. “The Sargent Shriver Global Messengers program is just one example of the many ways that we partner to empower athletes, build their confidence, and break down societal barriers.”
Sargent Shriver Global Messengers are available for public speaking roles on inclusion, sports, advocacy, and other topics.
Named for the late Sargent Shriver, husband of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Sargent Shriver Global Messengers have been selected through a competitive application process for more than 20 years. The 2024 – 2027 class of ten was selected from 99 nominations from 25 U.S. states and 29 countries.
