Global Leadership Team

This blog article, written by Hanna Joy Atkinson, a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, was originally posted by Special Olympics North America. Lady Gaga recently interviewed Hanna who served as a reporter for Lady Gaga’s Channel Kindness, the digital platform for her Born This Way Foundation.

In an interview for Top of HER Game on Sportsnet, Loretta Clairborne, Special Olympics Board of Directors Vice Chair, recounted her journey from being ignored in school to becoming the voice of millions of Special Olympics athletes.

Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Inspiration Officer, was recognized by USA Today in the Women of the Century USA TODAY 100 project.

Loretta Claiborne has traveled the world with Special Olympics since starting to compete in 1970 with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Over the past 50 years, she’s grown into one of Special Olympics’ most influential voices.

On the podcast Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy, Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne discussed her experiences being bullied, recalled finding her voice through Special Olympics and shared her hopes for the future.

A Transformative Gift from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Will Promote Positive Social Change and Foster More Inclusive Societies

Loretta Claiborne always fought for equal rights growing up. It started as a young child and transitioned into her role as Chief Inspiration Officer for Special Olympics and as a member of the board of directors. During a time of sizable racial divide in the 1960s, she had to fight for inclusion because of her skin color, but also because she had different abilities. A fight she keeps alive to this day.

Planning for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 is officially underway as Kazan, Russia was announced as official host city of the Games. Despite social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm about the announcement was shared virtually.

In a recent article by Glamour, Loretta Claiborne discusses using her life to teach others how to be more inclusive and empathic.

Special Olympics Board Chairman, Timothy Shriver and his daughter Kathleen get candid about social distancing, social media and the legacy left by the women in the family.