Meet Athlete Leaders
In order to truly become a movement led by athletes they must be given the opportunity to share their abilities, experiences and knowledge. Not only are we providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities but having athletes in leadership roles improves the quality of the programming and helps us meet our strategic goals as an organization.
Damion Chiodo
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Canada
Barbara Njovo
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Zimbabwe
Qing Hui
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Singapore
Wang Yuan
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics China
Inge Maiberg
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Estonia
Teresita Lira
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Chile
Ahmad Antar
Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Lebanon
Determined Future Voice for People with ID
"I want to be the voice for people with intellectual disabilities." Through sports and training, Special Olympics athlete leader Louie is redefining expectations for people with intellectual disabilities in The Gambia. Join him in building an inclusive world where people of all abilities can shine! Sign the Pledge @WeChallengeYou.org/pledge.
Regional Athlete Leaders
Regional Athlete Leaders: Africa
When the Special Olympics Namibia Board of Directors needed to send a delegate to a major regional conference, they chose Athlete Leader Felicity Van der Heever.
4 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: Asia Pacific
Members of the new Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council had several days of onboarding training in July 2025.
3 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: East Asia
XiaoBai had an hours-long journey tolast year’s training in Beijing, simply because the city is so big. The 2025 training voyage was longer still.
2 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: Europe Eurasia
She had a keynote speech to give. She was in an unfamiliar city for just a few hours. Bright spotlights shined upon her. In a grand meeting room, 350 leaders from across Europe faced her.
4 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: Latin America
At a book fair in Guatemala City in mid-2024, Athlete Leader Daniel Guerra was doing what he does well, telling the story of people with intellectual disabilities and the barriers they face.
5 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: Middle East / North Africa
An intensive training program focused on leadership, inclusion, and personal development awaited members of the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council.
2 Min Read
Regional Athlete Leaders: North America
Nikilani Rojas of Special Olympics Hawaii is someone who makes things happen by leading others and following through.
3 Min Read
