The Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports and Official Broadcaster for the Special Olympics USA and World Games, ESPN’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics continues to amplify athlete stories worldwide. Through its corporate citizenship programs, ESPN infuses the power of sport into community investments, cause marketing initiatives, and volunteerism. Most recently, ESPN served as the global media partner for the Special Olympics World Games, bringing coverage of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 to viewers everywhere, sharing the magic, humanity, and bravery of more than 1,500 athletes and Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities).
This episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio features ESPN Vice President of Corporate Citizenship Kevin Martinez, whose leadership has been instrumental in capturing these stories in Turin and beyond. In his role, Martinez oversees all aspects of the company’s social responsibility and social impact, while also serving as producer of the ESPYS and executive producer of the Sports Humanitarian Awards. No stranger to the sideline, Martinez’s experience in sports and leadership drives impact for Special Olympics athletes everywhere.
As a supporting partner of Special Olympics Unified with Refugees, ESPN helps implement inclusive sports programs for Special Olympics athletes and refugee youth. Joining the conversation, Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Advisor Gerald Mballe speaks to the heart of this partnership. His journey as a legally resettled refugee led him to Special Olympics in 2015, and he has continued to champion inclusive sport opportunities in refugee communities.
Additionally, ESPN recently announced the launch of Take Back Sports, a new youth sports initiative dedicated to increasing access to play for young athletes. Introduced at the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit, the initiative aims to address critical challenges in youth sports participation and ensure sports remain accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for all kids.
The partnership between Special Olympics and ESPN is building a legacy, competition by competition, story by story. For this generation and those to come, that legacy will strengthen the belief that people can come together through the power of sports.
