Europe Eurasia
Inclusion as the Solution: Research Takes Center Stage at ISAPA 2025
Special Olympics spent last week working on the progression of research and evaluation for people with disabilities as it penned a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.
5 Min Read
The Unique Spirit of Rugby Returns to Paris!
300 athletes, 26 teams, five countries—as inclusive rugby booms across the region, the Special Olympics France International Flag-Rugby Tournament takes Paris by storm!
3 Min Read
Lithuanian Twin Brothers Become Three-Time FIBA Open Champs!
Brothers Rolandas and Rimvydas Kriauzliai, aged 24 years old, were part of the winning Lithuanian team at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, Switzerland for the third time in a row. Here, they discuss how their team clinched victory against Italy in a thrilling final, their 17-year journey with Special Olympics and the magic of competing at the FIBA Open!
2 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Olubunmi’s Story of Healing and Hope in Madrid
This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Olubunmi and her family—originally from Nigeria and now living in Madrid, Spain—who have used the power of sport, dance and music to bring health, healing and enduring hope into their lives.
4 Min Read
World Refugee Day 2025: Polina Finds Meaning Through Sport in Romania
13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Norway Athletes Honored by Prince Sverre Magnus
Special Olympics Norway athletes who competed in Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 were honored in a reception in Oslo by Prince Sverre Magnus on 28 May for their achievements in sport.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Youth Leadership Council Elects New Members
New generation of changemakers from across the region is ready to champion youth empowerment for the 2025 – 2026 period.
1 Min Read
Celebrating the Power of Play on International Day of Play
This International Day of Play, Special Olympics is celebrating the joyful, inclusive, and powerful impact of play in the lives of children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
3 Min Read
Alex Leimsider’s Journey from Budapest to Judo Gold
At just 17 years old, the Special Olympics Hungary judoka topped the podium at the Special Olympics Judo Festival in Switzerland.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Enhance Skills with Coaching at Professional Clubs
Through the Special Champions League project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, eight professional football clubs developed teams for almost 550 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
2 Min Read
Bosnia & Herzegovina Pledges Support for Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Landmark agreement aims to empower youth with intellectual disabilities and expand access to inclusive education and sports
4 Min Read
Tears at the Finish Line as Dominika Becomes First Slovak Woman with Cerebral Palsy to Complete International Triathlon
On 20 May 2025, 19-year-old Dominika Medveďová from Brezno swam 750 metres, cycled 20 km and ran 5 km before crossing the finish line at the 4th Open European Special Olympics Triathlon Championships in Šamorín to become the first Slovak woman with cerebral palsy to complete an international triathlon.
3 Min Read