European Athletics signed a proclamation Thursday affirming its support and affinity to Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE), the European mission of Special Olympics International.
European Athletics Director General Christian Milz and SOEE Managing Director Mary Davis confirmed the partnership at the European Athletics headquarters in Lausanne, with both organisations committing to promote their alliance via communication channels such as their websites, newsletters, publications and for dedicated activities.
“I am extremely pleased to sign this accord with Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, with European Athletics now fully committed to providing the necessary support to such an inspirational organisation,” said Milz.
Davis said, “This partnership between SOEE and European Athletics is another important milestone in our aims to expand the Special Olympics movement in Europe and Eurasia, and we welcome the valued support of such a renowned sporting organisation.”
The genesis of the partnership between European Athletics and SOEE goes back to 2010 when Davis contacted European Athletics to discuss a possible association.
Milz then presented an academic project produced by a student of Lausanne-based sports management school AISTS, European Athletics’ academic partner, to the SOEE board.
SOEE has signed protocols of agreement with major sport organisations, including FIBA Europe, UEFA, Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier League Club), the European Tenpin Bowling Federation and Ligue Europeenne de Natation.
SOEE also signed a partnership agreement with the European Union of Gymnastics on Thursday.
Special Olympics International is the world's largest sport program of year-round sport-training and athletics competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It has provided training since it was created in 1968 and covers 32 official sports. The Special Olympics movement currently thrives in more than 180 countries and provides life-changing benefits through programmes to more than 3.6 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. Programmes implemented include the Athletes Leadership Program (ALP), Get Into It Program, Healthy Athletes Program and Motor Activity Training Program.
Click here to watch a brief video on the activities of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.