Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2018 – 2023

For twenty years Special Olympics athlete leaders have served in a select role titled Sargent Shriver Global Messenger. These spokespeople for the movement lead the campaign for a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their participation and leadership at global, regional, and local events—both internal and external to the Special Olympics Movement—they challenge the mindsets of political leaders, policy makers, educators, employers, and society. Read more about their recent role at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.

Brina Kei Maxino

Special Olympics Philippines

Daniel Smrokowski

Special Olympics Illinois, USA

Emanuelle Dutra Fernandes de Souza

Special Olympics Brazil

Hanna Joy Atkinson

Special Olympics Colorado, USA

Haseeb Abbasi

Special Olympics Pakistan

Ian Harper

Special Olympics Great Britain

Kurtis Jon Siu

Special Olympics Hong Kong

Maryam Ahmad Thyab

Special Olympics Kuwait

Nyasha Derera

Special Olympics Zimbabwe

Renee Manfredi

Special Olympics Texas, USA

NEW 2019-2023 Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers Announced!
Congratulations to the Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers (SSIGMs) class of 2018-2022 for being selected.

More about Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2018 – 2023

Education Experts Call for Greater Commitment to Inclusion in Education

On 18 April 2024, Special Olympics International (SOI) joined the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education (CUE) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in co-hosting the CUE Symposium on Education Systems Transformation for and through Inclusive Education.
13 Min Read

“I consider myself an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities”: An interview with Pablo Composto, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger

For World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the stories and efforts of our athletes for the promotion and advocacy of the full recognition of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder.
5 Min Read

Nyasha Derera Celebrates the 2023 World Games in Berlin

The 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin made me feel at home, welcomed, loved, and embraced.
1 Min Read