Photography by Iñaki Esnaola
Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia SOEE announced the election of eight new members of the Europe and Eurasia Leadership Council (EELC) for the period 2024-2026 during the Regional Leadership Conference in Berlin, Germany, on 16 October.
The EELC, chaired by Eva Gasová, National Director of Special Olympics Slovakia, represents the voice of national programs within the region, ensuring that its views shape the growth and direction of the movement.
Council members, each nominated through their respective national programs, were selected based on their proven leadership abilities and commitment to the values of the Special Olympics movement.
“I am deeply honored to lead such a diverse, dynamic and committed group of leaders, each of whom brings unique perspectives and a shared passion for inclusion,” said Jazova.
“Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to support inclusion and advance opportunities for athletes across the region. Our mission goes beyond sports, it is about changing lives and building a more inclusive society.”
EELC members bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, making them well-suited to lead the movement’s strategic initiatives. The new council includes representatives from across Europe and Eurasia, including national directors from… Austria, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro and Portugal.
Photography by Iñaki Esnaola
Ivan Radovic, National Director of Special Olympics Montenegro, highlighted the importance of innovation within the movement. “I led the program in development Champions Unified Schools and Young athletes. “I would encourage EELC to find new ideas that modernize the movement and bring SOEE closer to the youth who will be our future,” he said.
Another new member, Daeva Dabrilin, National Director of Special Olympics Lithuania, added: “I understand leadership as collaborating with other people to achieve a common goal. It’s not just about what to do, but also how to do it. I love it.” Work and volunteer with the Special Olympics movement because everyone has opportunities to grow.
The full list of EELC members is:
- Eva Gasova, Special Olympics Slovakia – President
- Søren Juul Christensen, Special Olympics Denmark – Member
- Daiva Dabrilin, Special Olympics Lithuanian – Member
- Drita Doshi, Special Olympics Kosovo – Member
- Ivan Radović, Special Olympics Montenegro – Member
- Laura Baxter MBE, Special Olympics Great Britain – Member
- Marcel Kaufmann, Special Olympics Liechtenstein – Member
- Maria João Figueira, Special Olympics Portugal – Member
- Nicole Koch, Special Olympics Austria – Member
- Rovshan Mammadov, Special Olympics Azerbaijan – Member
- Eleni Rossides, Independent Member
- Inge Myberg – Special Olympian Estonian – Actor-athlete
 for the 2024-2026 term during the Regional Leadership Conference in Berlin on 16 October.){kind=link}