When Sports Directors gathered in Cyprus for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports Conference in October 2025, the focus was on strengthening sport, expanding opportunity, and shaping the future of Special Olympics. For Magnús, the conference represented something more personal, a meaningful next chapter in his own journey.
“This is very fun to meet all these people and connecting with them and talking about the sports and what we can do back then and what we have to put in for Special Olympics,” Magnús explained.
But Magnús wasn’t there as an athlete, he was there as a videographer. One video, already live, captures the purpose and atmosphere of the conference. The second video, currently in progress, features interviews with leaders behind the event, including sports directors and conference organizers from multiple countries.
This opportunity didn’t happen by accident. Magnús began working with Special Olympics in 2019.
“I was competing as a gymnast in Abu Dhabi and Dubai 2019,” he said. “After the Games, I created commercial videos for Special Olympics Iceland, interviewing athletes and coaches. From there, the ball started rolling, and I was very happy to have the opportunity.”
In 2024, after working on projects in Iceland and attending a sports conference in Berlin where he worked for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, he was invited to Cyprus to produce content.
“This shows that all people with disability can do everything,” Magnús said. “I use my filmmaking skills to make opportunity for people to work in media and TV shows.”
Back home in Iceland, Magnús has not only witnessed the impact of expanded opportunities, but he has also helped create them. From strengthening national preparation efforts to amplifying athlete voices, his leadership has shaped how Iceland shows up on the global stage. Most notably, he produced a 42-minute documentary capturing Iceland’s preparation and participation, preserving the story of the athletes, coaches, and community behind the journey and sharing it with audiences far beyond competition.
“I see a lot of difference. People are very happy about me and about my work,” he said. “People see I’m doing a great job.”
But what drives him most is helping others step forward.
“I’m trying to make opportunity for other people to shine,” Magnús said. “I think it’s important for people to shine,” Magnús said. “We have to stand together to open eyes and see what is possible.”
