In the News

Supported by UEFA Respect, MetLife, national football federations and professional clubs, European Football Week (EFW) is a highlight in the Special Olympics calendar. From 19 to 27 May 2018, 45,000 participants across 50 countries took part in 450 events.

They all competed to their utmost best and came back victorious in the different levels of divisions they competed in.

Korea Unified Soccer team traveled to Liverpool, England for the second friendly match with a Unified Soccer team from Everton.

Special Olympics is calling on Europe Eurasia to light up red in a global show of inclusion this July. Special Olympic celebrates the 50 years of our movement this summer. To mark this major milestone, Special Olympics is asking everyone to Light Up for Inclusion! On July 20th, 2018 landmarks, stadia and iconic buildings around the world will turn red in a global act of unity. This exciting event will be global demonstration of tolerance, respect and a celebration of difference. Lighting up red for inclusion will help bring urgency and awareness for the inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities all over the world. David Evangelista, President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, is encouraging programmes to get involved: "As one of the largest regions, we are hoping that SOEE programmes answer this call and nominate a landmark and engage a contact to confirm a willingness to take part in the initiative." Find out more email fhynes@specialolympics.org

On 13 April 2018, leaders from the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) joined Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia (SOEE) Leadership Council and Sports Committee at the official Slovak Olympic Team Training Center x-bionic in Samorin, Slovakia to sign an Memorandum of Understanding that helps to promote the strengthening of fair play, tolerance, peace and inclusion through and within sport.

Special Olympics is delighted to announce a new two-year partnership with Kerry Group which will focus on athlete leadership, fundraising and volunteering in Ireland, Great Britain, Netherlands and Poland.

Special Olympics Croatia is delighted to announce that it has signed a partnership agreement with the Croatian Sports Journalists Association.

David Evangelista of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia met Prime Minister Jüri Ratas to discuss Special Olympics Estonia’s development.

Dr. Timothy Shriver engaged in successful high-level talks with ministers representing Health, Sport, Disability and Education.

Special Olympics Ireland has welcomed a new Director of Sport to its family! Karen Coventry succeeds Frances Kavanagh who retired from the position recently after over 25 years of loyal service. Frances was one of the founding members of Special Olympics Ireland in 1978 and, rather fittingly, the baton was handed over from Frances to Karen on International Women's Day earlier this month!

Officials saw how initiatives like the Games can support efforts to protect the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics athletes, program leaders, unified partners, and family members converged on Capitol Hill on February 13.