David Evangelista is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics International, overseeing the global operations of the movement with over 5 million competing athletes in 190 nations. Mr. Evangelista will describe how Special Olympics works to transform the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities by promoting disability inclusion in sports, health, schools, and leadership.
Founded on the belief that sport can be a vehicle for dignity, belonging, and social change, Special Olympics creates opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to compete, develop confidence, build friendships, and be recognized for their abilities. In recognition of the inter-connected dimensions of athletic inclusion, health equity, educational opportunity, political participation, decision-making, and basic human dignity, Special Olympics’ work extends far beyond athletic competition, encompassing inclusive health initiatives, education, leadership development, and unified sports.
This event will offer insights into the ways Special Olympics’ programming helps to challenge longstanding assumptions about intellectual disability by empowering athletes on and off the playing field. As HPOD’s own resources for persons with intellectual disabilities emphasize, inclusion is not limited to access or representation: it includes the meaningful opportunity to make one’s voice heard, shape public choices, vote, advocate, and participate fully in community life.
