Families have always been central to the Special Olympics movement, yet their voices have often been underrepresented in organizational decisions. That changed in early 2024 with the launch of the Global Family Leadership Council, a unified platform designed to give families a meaningful role in shaping programs, policies, and initiatives worldwide.
The council grew out of two separate initiatives. One focused on gathering family input for major events like the World Games, and another dedicated to family health education. By combining these efforts, Special Olympics created a single council that addresses both engagement and health, while modeling collaboration across departments.
“Our goal has always been to honor and serve families globally. We want families to be fully engaged with the organization, to feel their voices are heard, and to see the impact of their contributions, both for their athletes and for the broader movement.”
“Families know best how to reach other families like theirs, and this council ensures that our health initiatives, from nutrition to fitness, are informed by those who are living the experience every day,” said Jennifer Pittman, Special Olympics Manager, Healthy Families. “Their insights have been invaluable in shaping programs that are both meaningful and effective.”
Council members come from diverse backgrounds—parents, siblings, and caregivers—representing all seven regions. Their experiences are as varied as they are powerful. The original council comprised of seven individuals including Nauman Mehboob the chairperson, a father of three children with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Pakistan.
“Families from every corner of the world, each carrying their own stories of resilience and hope, stood united by a shared mission: to uplift, empower, and include,” said Mehboob. “My pride doesn’t stem from the position; it comes from the people. It’s about speaking for the mother in Morocco who fights for her child’s dignity, the father in Pakistan who turns love into advocacy, and the sibling in Peru who becomes a beacon of inclusion. These families are the heartbeat of Special Olympics, and being their global voice is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”
The first global convening of the council, held during the World Games in Berlin, brought members together in person for the first time. “Watching them connect was remarkable,” Helton recalled.
“They shared their experiences, learned from each other, and sparked new ideas for their regions. It wasn’t just about policy, it was about connection, advocacy, and building a global family.” Pittman added, “They helped us develop a blueprint for family engagement. Their feedback has guided us in expanding health initiatives and ensuring families have a stronger voice in the movement.”
For many council members, the experience is deeply personal. “Families are the backbone of Special Olympics,” Mehboob said. “Through this council, we are building inclusive support systems that honor every athlete’s potential. Families are the heartbeat of every athlete’s journey. They are the first champions of inclusion, the unwavering advocates, and the everyday mentors who turn love into leadership. Their presence isn’t limited to the sidelines—they are the ones shaping the field.”
“Families create awareness. They build bridges. They redefine inclusion,” he continued. “And when they rise, they lift entire communities with them. That is the power of this movement and the legacy we are building together.”
“The council has amplified our work, extended our reach,” Pittman added. “They have ensured that the programs we create truly reflect the needs of families and athletes around the world.”
Looking ahead, the council will continue to serve as a bridge between families and the organization, shaping programs, policies, and culture. The next council, running from 2026 to 2028, will build on this foundation, bringing even more global perspectives into the heart of Special Olympics. “We’re excited to see the next council make specific impacts on projects, to bring their voices even more visibly into our work, and to continue this legacy of leadership,” Helton said.
Through the Global Family Leadership Council, families are no longer behind the scenes, they are at the center guiding, advising, and shaping the future of Special Olympics worldwide.
