European Union Funded Projects
Since 2010, the European Union (EU) has been a key supporter of Special Olympics across Europe/Eurasia, which has allowed Special Olympics to continue to grow and expand its activities in the region. From supporting several editions of the Special Olympics World Games and European Games to grassroots initiatives focused on health and sport, the EU’s support has added significant support to our strategy in the region. Special Olympics aligns closely with the EU’s desire to promote inclusion, participation in sport, volunteering, health and to give access to people with disabilities to more opportunities in society. SOEE applies for funding to the EU through its SO Europe Eurasia Foundation entity which is set up to apply and administer EU grants.
Current Projects
The aim is to get more young girls participating in sport. Our main role for SOEE is to recruit and maintain young girls with ID in sport.
The Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle Groups in Schools (IHLGIS) is funded through the EU4 Health Programme. The project promotes healthy lifestyles in schools for students with and without intellectual disabilities (ID).
This innovative project’s goal is to use judo to promote the social and cultural integration of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID), and bring together eight organizations from six countries.
As in previous grants supported by the EU the key elements of the Games are in line with the priorities of the sports priorities of the EU—Inclusive Sports Competition, Youth Leadership, Volunteering and Health which were a key part of these Games.
Welcome Ukraine is a European Union-funded initiative supporting Ukrainian refugees through the medium of sport. The project brings together professional football club foundations and grassroots clubs, organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card Netherlands and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, and local communities to create safe, inclusive environments for children, young people and women to play and thrive. Through sport, the project supports wellbeing, integration and long-term community resilience.
Past Projects
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Special Olympics Environmental Sustainability Impact
The Environmental Sustainability Impact project breaks new ground as it focuses on how to make Special Olympics events and operations more environmentally sustainable. Funded through Erasmus, the project will last for 24 months in total, finishing on the 30th November 2024. -
I Coach Girls
Led by The International Council of Coaching Excellence, this initiative aims to increase the participation of young girls in sports. The project commenced in July 2022 and is scheduled to conclude by June 30, 2025. -
Special Champions League
This Special Olympics Belgium-led project is funded through the Erasmus+ programme and SOEE are a key partner. Special Olympics role is to advise the professional football clubs in the project on how to develop coaching programmes and football teams for people with intellectual disabilities. -
Special Olympics Operation Safeguard
Special Olympics Operation Safeguard is funded through EU Erasmus+ programme and will support the implementation of safeguarding across the SOEE region. While most safeguarding policies focus on children and youth, it is essential to protect vulnerable adults with intellectual disability (ID) also and this project will focus on correcting this. -
Special Olympics World Games
The EU has supported multiple editions of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, most recently at Berlin 2023, as well as World Winter Games and European Games. -
Unified Volleyball Spikes
The Environmental Sustainability Impact project breaks new ground as it focuses on how to make Special Olympics events and operations more environmentally sustainable. Funded through Erasmus, the project will last for 24 months in total, finishing on the 30th November 2024. The partners in this project will be SO Europe Eurasia Foundation, Special Olympics Italy and Special Olympics Belgium. -
Young Integrity Ambassadors Programme
The Young Integrity Ambassadors Programme (YIAP) receives funding from Erasmus+. The European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) leads this project, with the participation of SO Europe Eurasia Foundation to ensure representation for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID).
Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 - Highlights
Relive inspiring moments of our remarkable Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia athletes at the World Games Berlin 2023. Their brilliance continues to shine two months after the Closing Ceremony. Join us in celebrating their achievements!
"We extend our immense gratitude to the European Union for their unwavering support to our mission and athletes. Through a shared commitment and dedication to inclusion throughout Europe, Special Olympics and the European Union have empowered the lives of countless individuals with and without intellectual disabilities alike, both on and off the field of play. Together, we are not only shaping a more inclusive present but also building a future where every individual can contribute, thrive, and shine-breaking barriers and forging a stronger, more inclusive Europe. The commitment of the European Union serves as a beacon of hope for millions, driving and encouraging Special Olympics to achieve even greater milestones as part of this remarkable journey of discovery, acceptance and unity,”
David Evangelista, SOEE President and Managing Director
Recent Project News
Special Olympics Romania Athlete Anca Miron Launches Her Very Own Children’s Book
Anca Miron launched the children’s book ‘Anca’s Snowshoeing Adventure’ – which was inspired by the story of her journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 – at a book signing event in Seneca Anticafe in Bucharest on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Anca’s book is one of four in a series focused on Special Olympics athletes.
1 Min Read
“Let’s All Stand Together” - A Europe Day Message for the Athletes of Special Olympics
Polish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski has been a firm and fervent supporter of the athletes of Special Olympics since the early 1990s when he first encountered our movement as the Mayor of the city of Wrocław (1990 to 2001).
2 Min Read
Learning and Development at Coaches’ International Short Track Seminar in The Netherlands
Coaches from across Europe Eurasia gathered in Breda, The Netherlands on 28 February for an enriching and dynamic seminar on short track speed skating, followed by a Special Olympics Netherlands National Short Track Event.
2 Min Read
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.