Special Olympics Ireland Athlete Anita Forde Champions Inclusion at European Parliament in Brussels
Special Olympics Ireland athlete Anita Forde has been representing Ireland at the European Parliament in Brussels, joining athletes from across Europe to champion the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
Anita attended the second annual Special Olympics European Union (EU) Day, held on 11 and 12 November, alongside Special Olympics Ireland CEO Karen Coventry, Special Olympics Ireland Chairperson Dr. Brendan O'Brien, and Anita's coach, Lorraine Bracken.
The two-day event brought Special Olympics athletes together with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), European Commissioners and other EU representatives to discuss the future of disability inclusion across Europe.
Advocating for Inclusion
A central focus of this year's event was ensuring that support for people with intellectual disabilities remains a priority in the European Union's next long-term budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Special Olympics Ireland joined the wider European movement in advocating for continued EU investment in sport, social inclusion, healthcare and inclusive education.
On Wednesday, 11 November, the Irish delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives from 11 of Ireland's 14 MEPs.
These included engagements with MEPs Regina Doherty, Barry Cowen, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Barry Andrews, as well as a representative of MEP Ciarán Mullooly.
The delegation also met Richard Quilliam, Equality Attaché at Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU, and attended an exhibition highlighting the work and impact of the Special Olympics movement.
The day's engagements concluded with an evening reception hosted by the French Permanent Representation to the EU.
Anita Forde: "Special Olympics Gave Me a Voice"
A highlight of the Irish delegation's participation was the leadership shown by Special Olympics Ireland athlete Anita Forde, who helped ensure that the voices and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities were represented in discussions about Europe's future.
On Thursday, 12 November, Anita participated in the event's Closing Assembly, in a panel discussion alongside Ireland's European Commissioner, Michael McGrath.
Reflecting on her experience, Anita said:
"Going to Brussels for European Union Day was an amazing experience. I met so many athletes from different countries across Europe, representatives from Special Olympics International, MEPs and European Commissioner Michael McGrath.
"It was important for me to attend so I could use my voice for inclusion, share my experiences with Special Olympics Ireland, talk about the roles we have and explain why Special Olympics is so important for people with intellectual disabilities.
"Special Olympics is more than a sports organisation to me. It's an organisation that provides hope, opportunities and visibility for people with intellectual disabilities.
"Special Olympics gave me a voice to advocate and to lead, and a place where I feel comfortable and supported. Special Olympics saw me as a person, not my disability.
"As an Athlete Leader, my main message is that exclusion and discrimination have no place in this world. Inclusion is the way forward to happier lives.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity to go to Brussels."
Anita's contribution highlighted the importance of Athlete Leadership within the Special Olympics movement, empowering people with intellectual disabilities to develop their skills, share their experiences and advocate for meaningful change.
"Athlete Leadership at Its Very Finest"
Speaking from Brussels, Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, praised the welcome received by the Irish delegation and the importance of the discussions taking place.
"We are deeply grateful for the warmth and welcome we have received from everyone we have met here in Brussels. Our priority throughout this visit has been to advocate for continued EU investment in sport, social inclusion, healthcare and inclusive education.
"These are vital areas in which sustained support can help create meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in their communities and society.
"I also want to pay particular tribute to Anita Forde, who has been absolutely incredible throughout our visit. Anita has demonstrated Athlete Leadership at its very finest, representing Special Olympics Ireland with confidence and pride.
"Her contribution is a powerful reminder of why people with intellectual disabilities must be at the centre of conversations and decisions that affect their lives."
Building on European Partnerships
Special Olympics EU Day 2026 built on the success of the inaugural event in 2025, which brought together more than 200 participants from 26 EU Member States and facilitated over 100 bilateral meetings with European policymakers.
This year's programme included an exhibition at the European Parliament highlighting Special Olympics initiatives in sport, health, wellbeing and Athlete Leadership.
A Special Olympics Unified Sports cycling event also brought athletes, policymakers and partners together to demonstrate the power of sport to promote understanding and inclusion.
Through its participation, Special Olympics Ireland reinforced the importance of continued European cooperation and investment in programmes that support people with intellectual disabilities.
The organisation supports approximately 6,700 athletes annually across the island of Ireland, providing year-round opportunities to train, compete, develop confidence and build connections through sport.
Special Olympics Ireland extends its thanks to the European representatives who engaged with the delegation, and to Special Olympics Europe Eurasia for organising the event.