David Egan

In lead-up to the launch of a new Special Olympics initiative, SO-Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities), I met with Special Olympics Virginia athlete David Egan to talk about the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in research.

[Minneapolis, Minnesota, 20 June 2026] Today, Special Olympics announced the launch of SO-Link—an initiative that connects Special Olympics athletes with opportunities to participate in Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research and evaluation projects relevant to their health.

David Egan has written about his life and unique perspective in a book titled More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome.

Exemplifying the spirit of the Delivering Jobs campaign, the launch on 22 October 2019 was a truly collaborative effort between Autism Speaks, Best Buddies, and Special Olympics in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

During Down Syndrome Awareness Month—and every month—Special Olympics athletes like David Egan are banishing myths and leading the way to inclusion.

David Egan has always dreamed big. Learn how he is changing attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities.

David served as a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation Public Policy Fellow, working with the powerful House Ways and Committee.