Global Leadership Team

The air was electric in Chur, Switzerland with the signing of the official agreement for the Special Olympics 2029 World Winter Games. In a few short years, Switzerland will play host to the largest sport and philanthropic event in the world featuring 2,500 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners. And if the events of this past week are any indication, it’s going to be spectacular.

Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, will receive the 2026 Laetare Medal at the University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2026.

Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne will do anything it takes to cross the finish line, and her unwavering advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities reflects that same determination.

Download the TranscriptShe’s competed in 30 marathons, placing in the top 100 of the Boston Marathon twice. She’s earned her black belt in karate and completed triathlons. She knows the power of commitment and what it takes to, literally, go the distance. Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne will do anything it takes to cross the finish line, and her unwavering advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities reflects that same determination.Read the Article

[Washington, DC, USA - 22 January 2026] Special Olympics has issued a powerful global call to action, warning that the world is facing a critical shortage of teachers that threatens the future of millions of students, most critically, learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A global call to action urging governments and systems to invest in teachers as the foundation of inclusive, equitable education for all learners.

New CEO David Evangelista, Board Chair Timothy Shriver, Chief of Sport and Competition Louis Lauria, Regional President & Managing Director, Latin America Claudia Echeverry, and Special Olympics Board Member and Athlete Leader, Kiera Byland BEM featured in expansive series of articles.

David Evangelista, incoming CEO of Special Olympics International, is the latest guest on the Special Chronicles Podcast, produced and hosted by Special Olympics Illinois athlete Daniel Smrokowski.

Dear Kid Rock,

[Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 25, 2025] The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity has announced an US$11 million grant to the Abu Dhabi-based Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education to significantly expand its Unified Champion Schools (UCS) initiative, a transformative program that advances social inclusion for youth with and without intellectual disabilities.