Kiera Byland BEM, Athlete and Leader from Special Olympics Great Britain and the current Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress Chair.
Whilst I am passionate about being an Athlete Leader, I love my competitions, so being able to do both is really important for me. I want to showcase that this is a possibility for Athlete Leaders, whatever their chosen sport.
What was your 2024 highlight?
I like to go to competitions to do my personal best, to see friends and to make new friends, but I also like to smile and laugh (as you can see from my photo)!”
This photo shows me competing at my national swimming competition, I like it because it shows that I can still have fun and share some laughter after a race...
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to being able to show my support to the athletes going to the World Winter Games 2025 in Turin. I will be attending as part of my role on the Special Olympics board. It’s also my birthday on the day of the Opening Ceremony so what a birthday to remember that will be!
Margaret Turley, Special Olympics Ireland Athlete Leader and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
What was your favourite Special Olympics moment of 2024?
My favourite Special Olympics moment of 2024 was when I got the opportunity to travel to Washington DC for the first Sargent Shriver Global Messenger training in May in Special Olympics HQ!
I loved so many things about this trip, I got to meet all of the other Sargent Shriver Global Messengers in person for the very first time instead of seeing people only on a screen. We got to know each other very well and I feel I have made friends for life from this team! I also really enjoyed getting to see Special Olympics HQ, it is a very cool office with lots of photos and medals from all of the World Games! We got to explore the office doing a scavenger hunt.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
In 2025, I am really excited about going to Turin, Italy for the World Winter Games. This will be the first time on an international stage that I will be carrying out duties for my Sargent Shriver Global Messenger role! I want to show all of the stakeholders attending the Games, what people with intellectual disabilities can do! I am also looking forward to catching up with my fellow SSGM teammates and having fun with them.
Gilmour Borg, Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader, Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and Elected Representative in Malta
What was your favourite Special Olympics moment of 2024?
The year 2024 has been an unforgettable journey for me, both on a personal level and in my roles within Special Olympics Malta. One of the most emotional moments of the year was being accepted as a Sergeant Shriver Global Messenger. This is an honour I will treasure forever, as it symbolizes not just a role but an important milestone of my entire journey within the Special Olympics Movement.
Another highlight for 2024, was my participation in the Special Olympics Malta National Games, an event showcasing our athletes mentality of determination, courage, resilience, unity and bravery. The chosen theme, “The Champion Within Us,” perfectly captured the spirit of the games. Having the opportunity to compete alongside my fellow athletes, I felt an overwhelming sense of shared purpose.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, I am thrilled to be part of a significant milestone for Special Olympics Malta, as we commemorate 25 years of service and dedication to the Maltese community. This celebration is not only a reflection of our achievements but also a reminder of our mission to foster inclusion through the transformative power of sports.
As we embark on this landmark year, I am determined to contribute to the growth of our movement, ensuring it continues to inspire change and create a society where everyone feels valued and included.
Inge Maiberg, Special Olympics Estonia Athlete Leader, Global Athlete Leadership Council Representative and President of the Regional Athlete Leadership Council
What was your favourite Special Olympics moment of 2024?
I had so many nice moments that it is hard to choose one. I loved sharing the stage with Special Olympics Slovakia’s National Director, Eva Gazova in Berlin at the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Leadership Conference. I delivered a speech about the importance of having an athlete in Europe Eurasia Leadership Council (EELC) and how EELC could contribute more.
Why was that your favourite moment?
It was my favourite because I felt safe on that stage. I think the more I have the opportunities to engage with national directors’ the more confident I have become. The conference in Berlin was valuable for me because I could meet with other athletes and directors which gave me a sense of community. I could use my athlete leader position to make sure our voices were heard. I also received feedback on how to support the athletes even more. I truly believe that the experts on Special Olympics are the athletes.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I am excited for the EELC meeting in Cyprus. I won’t be in Turin for the Winter Games but I am happy for everyone who is participating. Overall I am looking forward to meeting with athletes and politicians in Estonia and all over the world.
