The Special Olympics family is deeply saddened by the passing of Zhaneta Gotsireli, President of Special Olympics Georgia. Zhaneta was a dedicated and passionate leader who devoted her work to advancing inclusion and improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport for the past three decades. Her contribution to the Special Olympics movement will be remembered with great respect and gratitude. Sven Albrecht, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said: “Zhaneta was a true advocate for inclusion and a committed leader within our movement. Her passion, dedication, and humanity touched many lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the Special Olympics Georgia family.” Our thoughts are with her loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. #SpecialOlympics

Special Olympics International has named Sven Albrecht Regional President and Managing Director of its Europe Eurasia region, effective 1 April 2026. Albrecht will provide strategic direction and oversee program operations in 58 countries in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Sven said: "It is a great pleasure and honor for me to assume responsibility as President and Managing Director for the Europe Eurasia region. I am firmly convinced that together with the National Programs and the SOEE team, we will further strengthen the region and drive greater inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I thank SOI for their trust and look forward to many encounters with the athletes. Together, we are stronger!" #SpecialOlympics

Together, Special Olympics and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are proving that sport is more than play - it’s a powerful tool for dignity, belonging, and opportunity. Yesterday, Special Olympics Unified with Refugees coordinator, Gerald Mballe Mballe, made an impassioned speech at the Global Refugee Forum - the world’s largest international gathering on refugees - calling on all governments and organisations to join Special Olympics in positioning inclusive sports as a core pillar of inclusion for every displaced person worldwide. Special Olympics is deeply proud of our ongoing and close collaboration with UNHCR, including through our powerful global partnership, UNHCR's committed membership of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, Special Olympics' contribution the Sports for Refugees Coalition at UNHCR and our work together globally through the Special Olympics Unified With Refugees programme. #specialolympics #UnifiedwithRefugees #globalcoalitionforinclusion #developmentthroughsport #sportforrefugeescoalition

We are the athletes of Special Olympics - and SO MUCH MORE! As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, discover the breadth of talents, roles, capabilities and responsibilities that our wonderful athletes possess - on and off the playing field! #IDPD2025 #specialolympics @SpecialOlympics @kierabyland @SO_Malta @SOIreland @SOGreatBritain @niallguitesogb