Margaret Turley champions inclusion at inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day
Marking one of the highlight events of the 10th anniversary of European Week of Sport, the very first Special Olympics European Union (SO EU) Day brought Special Olympics athletes together with EU leaders and citizens for two days of sport, dialogue, and action. Irish representative and Sargent Shriver Global Ambassador Margaret Turley travelled to Brussels with Special Olympics Ireland CEO Karen Coventry to speak at events and to EU parliamentary members about the impact and importance of inclusion.
Hosted at the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, between 24 and 25 September, policymakers from EU institutions engaged directly with Special Olympics athletes, their families, and other stakeholders to explore the transformative power of sport in driving inclusion across education, health, and international development.
The SO EU Day program featured bilateral meetings, a networking reception, Unified Sports Experience, and a symbolic Unified Walk linking the European Commission to the European Parliament. The event concluded with a Closing Assembly hosted by MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, featuring keynote speeches and discussions on the European Sports Model, the EU Disability Strategy, health equity and inclusive education.
Special Olympics Ireland athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Margaret Turley said: “As an athlete, I know firsthand how sport can change lives, boosting confidence, building friendships, and giving everyone the chance to show what they are capable of.”
“Special Olympics European Union Day is a unique opportunity to share that experience with Europe’s policymakers, to show them not just the challenges we face, but also the incredible potential that inclusion unlocks. It is important for people with intellectual disabilities to speak directly to policymakers, because no one understands our needs and aspirations better than we do ourselves.”
“I am deeply grateful to the European Union for hosting this event and for recognizing that inclusion strengthens communities, empowers people, and inspires positive change across our continent."
SO EU Day underscores the European Union’s commitment to advancing the EU Disability Strategy and aligns with the European Week of Sport’s #BeActive campaign by showcasing how inclusive sport contributes to healthier, more cohesive societies.