Europe/Eurasia is comprised of 58 countries, speaking forty different languages with a total population of approximately 880 million people. Special Olympics exists in each of those countries and currently serves 457,375 athletes. The estimated population of people with intellectual disability in Europe/Eurasia is 26.5 million. According to the World Health Organization, 3 percent of the world’s population, are individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) – the largest of all disability groups.
Through sports, Special Olympics athletes gain new friendships and confidence.
Changing lives across Europe and Eurasia
Established in 1997 and with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) plays an active role in supporting Special Olympics National Programmes in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
SOEE provides year-round assistance to 58 Special Olympics National Programs so they become better known, better funded and successful in expanding sports opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
SOEE also has an advocacy role for European-level competitions and establishes European-level partnerships.
Read SOEE Mission, Vision, Values.
Strategic Goals
There are four strategic goals which sit at the core of the SOEE 2008 – 2011 strategic action plan:
Develop and deliver QUALITY sports programmes and support initiatives with National Programmes.
Raise sufficient FUNDING to achieve financial independence and sustainability.
Cultivate MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP at senior levels of the organisation.
Significantly improve AWARENESS of Special Olympics amongst the public and regional institutions.
Fast Facts on SOEE:
58 national programmes in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia500,000 athletesTotal population of region is 880 million people26.5 million people with intellectual disabilities60,000 volunteers21,000 family members30 sports (winter & summer)European Games every four years