Record-breaking composer, singer-song writer to help advance inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
WASHINGTON, DC – October 30, 2018: Special Olympics International (SOI) has named music sensation Erika Ender as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
In her new role, Ender will help to advance the inclusion of, and end discrimination against, people with intellectual disabilities.
“I see this world as one big home called Planet Earth and I see us humans, as one big family called the human race. We are all the same. And if we all could see and feel life with love and kindness, this world would be a paradise,” Ender said.
Ender is one of the most prolific and renowned composers in the music world, as well as, an established and successful singer-songwriter, TV celebrity, producer, and actress. Breaking all records as a female composer in music history, more than 160 CDs have been released with her songs as well as more than 40 top singles, including the worldwide hit “Despacito.”
Ender is the youngest person ever inducted into the Latin Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and has received multiple awards and honors such as Latin Grammys, Billboards, ASCAP, Monitor Latino, several Sesac prizes, including the GLOBAL ICON AWARD, Leading Lady of the Latin Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences. The only Latina ever nominated to a major category in the Grammys, and the only one with a Spanish #1 song on Billboard´s Top 100, Ender is listed as one of the world’s most powerful women according to Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Forbes and People En Español Magazines. She also has received several Condecorations and recognitions such as the keys to Miami & Panama.
Ender’s philanthropic work includes Fundación Puertas Abiertas, a foundation she created that uses music and education to positively influence children and teenagers. The foundation originally offered music and dance workshops to children living in shelters. Today through its biggest project, a talent contest called TalenPro (Talent with a Purpose), participants can share their talents on stage, while helping to refurbish and revitalize schools.
“Special Olympics International is excited to name Erika Ender as a Global Ambassador,” said SOI CEO, Mary Davis. “Erika’s passion for inclusion will help inspire people across the world to join our all-out effort to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.”
ENDS
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including Bank of America, the Christmas Records Trust, The Coca-Cola Company, ESPN, Essilor Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Microsoft, Safilo Group, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, TOYOTA, United Airlines, and The Walt Disney Company. Click here for a full list of partners. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
About Erika Ender
Panamanian Erika Ender is one of the most successful composers in the music industry as well as one of the most versatile professionals in the entertainment world; simultaneously having an established career as a singer-songwriter, producer and television personality in her 26 year career.
Ender is well known as a dedicated philanthropist as well, always working on causes to make this world a better place.
For more information visit: www.erikaender.com
Media Contact
Mark Daley
Special Olympics International
P: (202) 824-0389
mjdaley@specialolympics.org