Special Olympics: 50 Years of Leading the Charge to Build a Unified World Through Sport

NEW LOCATION: Third-Floor Theatre, Ida Noyes Hall

Join us for a presentation about Special Olympics with David Evangelista, president & managing director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia. He will provide insights into the Special Olympics movement, the critical importance and relevance of social inclusion, and how Special Olympics is leading the charge to build a unified generation through sport. Special Olympics Athlete Zinyra "Z" Ross will give opening remarks.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics has grown to become the largest global organization dedicated to sports and health for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2018, Special Olympics celebrates its 50th anniversary of concerted action to bring this most marginalized population out of the shadows, and into the light of their neighborhoods, communities, and nations.

A discussion after the presentation will be moderated by Harris Assistant Professor Anjali Adukia.

Box lunches will be provided after the event. Kindly RSVP by Monday, May 7, 2018.

About the Speaker


David Evangelista 
President & Managing Director
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia

In his role as president & managing director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. David has been a part of the Special Olympics family for 19 years, advocating worldwide for improved policies for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a specific focus on developing world nations.

In addition, David has served as author of a number of key strategies in the Special Olympics movement, including the provision of inclusive sports to engage refugee and migrant youth, increased global health services within national ministerial structures, and initial implementation of key United Nations conventions in support of individuals with intellectual disabilities.