Special Olympics representatives will be joined by the leadership of national and international sports organisations, eminent Serbian and diplomatic representatives and members of the media at the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) Leadership Conference, set to take place in Belgrade between 4-6 November.
Through workshops, presentations and panel discussions, conference participants will explore vital areas of work such as government relations, athlete leadership, health and wellbeing and sport for all. The conference, which is hosted by Special Olympics Serbia, will also have a keen focus on leveraging the potential of the upcoming World Games Santiago 2027 and World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 to strategically strengthen National Programmes and drive forward our inclusion agenda across the region.
All of the activities and discussions throughout the conference will be underpinned by SOEE’s priorities up to 2030 which are: increasing participation and equal access to sports, health and wellbeing, strengthening athlete and youth leadership, raising awareness, bolstering organisation development and diversifying and growing revenue, as well as focusing on government work.
Sven Albrecht, SOEE President and Managing Director, noted, “This conference will see the SOEE family come together to explore how we can, as a region, strengthen our cooperation and work collectively towards the same goals while reaffirming our commitment to achieving greater participation for people with intellectual disabilities. The SOEE team and National Programs are key players in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Europe, and we do not take this responsibility lightly. The greater our levels of collaboration and cooperation, the closer we move towards achieving this aim.
Thank you to Special Olympics Serbia for your warm welcome and hosting, and to all of the Programs in attendance for your contributions and ongoing work at national level."
Special Olympics Serbia, who will soon celebrate its 25th year of activity, has long been a driving force for inclusion through sport in the country. By hosting the SOEE Leadership Conference and the Regional Athlete Leadership Congress, the Programme reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusion across Serbia and to playing an active part in shaping the future of the region.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Leadership Conference and Athlete Congress to Belgrade,” said Aleksandar Stanojevic, Special Olympics Serbia National Director.
“We are proud to host these important gatherings that bring together leaders, athletes and advocates who share a commitment to inclusion, empowerment and equal opportunities for all. Young leaders are the driving force behind a more inclusive future, and I hope these days in Belgrade will inspire new ideas, strengthen friendships and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration. I wish you all a wonderful stay and hope you return home with beautiful memories of Belgrade, Serbia and the warm hospitality of our people.”
As a movement that empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead, Special Olympics considers the presence of athlete leaders at this event not only welcome but essential. Drawing on their personal experiences, the athletes will bring their perspective to the discussions, highlighting priorities and needs and helping guide the leadership of Europe Eurasia in the right direction.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Oliver Fisch, Special Olympics Athlete Leader from Switzerland. “It offers a great opportunity to make decisions and shape the future actively. I can make a real difference myself!”
The SOEE Leadership Council (EELC) also plays a key role in the Leadership Conference, representing SOEE’s National Programmes and complementing athlete leaders’ contributions. The Conference offers an opportunity to recognise the Council’s work and to ensure it remains aligned with the daily efforts of National Programmes across the region.
Eva Gazova, Chair of the EELC and Special Olympics Slovakia National Director, added, “The Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Leadership Conference in Belgrade will bring together more countries than ever before, a powerful sign of how strong and united our movement has become.
“On behalf of the EELC, I want to sincerely thank Special Olympics Serbia for their outstanding work. As we grow, we must never forget that our true measure is not only the number of athletes we reach, but the quality of the opportunities, coaching and care we give each one of them. Let us keep our focus on the athletes and their progress.”
