Unified with Refugees

On this episode, ESPN Vice President of Corporate Citizenship Kevin Martinez and Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Advisor Gerald Mballe discuss ESPN’s global partnership with Special Olympics, its impact on athlete stories, inclusive sports programs for refugee youth and new initiatives like Take Back Sports to expand access to play.Download the TranscriptRead the Article

The Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports and Official Broadcaster for the Special Olympics USA and World Games, ESPN’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics continues to amplify athlete stories worldwide.

[Geneva, Switzerland – 10 September 2025] Special Olympics and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have signed a new global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to empower refugees of all abilities through the transformative power of sport.

With the 107th Lions International Convention well under way in Orlando, Florida, now is the perfect moment to discover the depth and breadth of the powerful global partnership between Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation.

This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Olubunmi and her family—originally from Nigeria and now living in Madrid, Spain—who have used the power of sport, dance and music to bring health, healing and enduring hope into their lives.

13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!

Dylan Brown shares her journey from volunteering at Special Olympics, to interning at their headquarters, emphasizing the profound impact of inclusion and early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities.

Two sports, two great passions, one great Unified Special Olympics event on Sunday that will involve athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from the Fortitudo Baskin, Team Sport L'Aquila, and Rietinclude teams, with the support of young refugees from Rieti participating as well.

From the World Winter Games Turin 2025 to promoting inclusive health, education and sports, the message of Special Olympics athletes highlights limitless opportunities for the New Year.

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Senior Advisor Gerald Mballe travelled to Madrid, Spain, to visit a refugee reception center and a local school, and foster connections between refugees, people with intellectual disabilities and their host communities.