In recognition for her leadership and passion, and her proven record in expanding the reach of the Special Olympics movement across Belgium, Zehra Sayin, CEO, Special Olympics Belgium, was awarded the 2020 Special Woman Award at the recent Belgian Sport Women Awards ceremony in Brussels, Belgium on Friday, 6 March 2020.
The Belgian Sport Women Awards recognises leading women leaders in the field of sport, using their talents and drive to strengthen the role that sport plays in community building and addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. The recognition of Zehra Sayin acknowledges both the way in which she has brought added momentum and leadership to disability sports nationally, as well as the way the Special Olympics brand has helped inform the general public as to the rights and abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“I am proud to accept the 2020 Special Woman Award on behalf of all of the athletes of Special Olympics Belgium. The example and message of the athletes of Special Olympics continues to chart new courses of action, new commitments, and perhaps most importantly, a new understanding of the role of sport and the way women can and do play a critical, global role. I am humbled, and inspired, by this recognition.”
Special Olympics Belgium continues to serve as a leading national Special Olympics Programme, with over 20,000 participating athletes, and a range of additional services made available to the athletes, their Unified Partners and families. Just recently, Special Olympics Belgium, on behalf of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, received prestigious Effie awards for their campaign—Dare to Sponsor.
“Special Olympics Europe Eurasia takes great pride in the most deserving distinction bestowed upon Zehra Sayin, CEO of Special Olympics Belgium”, said David Evangelista, President and Managing director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia. “Zehra is a vibrant example of passionate leadership in motion, and Belgium, the European region, and the world continues to benefit from her efforts and great collaboration.”
Special Olympics continues to bring inclusive sports, on a global level, to athletes of every age and ability. In 2018, our movement included more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners. That breaks down to roughly 5.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 920,000 Unified Sports partners without intellectual disabilities.
