As athletes, Gilmour Borg and Edna Šunjić know that they cannot win by standing still. That mantra also applies to their roles as government representatives.
Borg was elected to the local council in Birkirkara, Malta and started his five-year term in July, while Šunjić stepped into her role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Culture and Sports in autumn.
Their appointments made history for people with intellectual disabilities and while there are more than 1,000 kilometres and several seas separating Borg and Šunjić’s places of work, the athletes are on a common mission—to break down barriers and make the world more inclusive.
And they are not alone. Increasing numbers of Special Olympics athletes are taking leadership roles in public service to usher in the inclusion revolution.
“I believe we’re seeing more Special Olympics athletes in government roles because people recognize the honesty, humility, and truth we bring,” Borg said. “Our presence in government shows that change is possible, and it’s a change for the better.”
An Achievement Worth More than Medals
Gilmour Borg has collected numerous medals since joining the Special Olympics movement in 2014, but none of these victories were as emotional as when he took the oath to join the Birkirkara council.
It was the culmination of a successful campaign that saw Borg become the first Special Olympics athlete to be elected to the local government body.
“Winning medals is something I’ll always be proud of, and those moments are unforgettable. But finding my voice through Special Olympics means so much more,” said Borg, who has competed in athletics, table tennis, football and water polo. “While medals bring joy, being able to use my voice for others and represent those who may still feel unheard is an even greater achievement.”
For Šunjić, medals were the key that opened the door to her ministry job. Her sporting success, which included winning two gold medals in skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017, caught the attention of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Culture and Sports, Sanja Vladisavljevic.
“[Minister Vladisavljevic] invited me for an interview, expressing her desire for me to be a part of her team as a leader of Special Olympics,” Šunjić said. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and the trust she put in me.”
By accepting the offer, Šunjić became the first person with a disability to be offered an employment role in a government ministry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From Voiceless to Being a Voice for Thousands
Šunjić and Borg are no strangers to leadership roles. Šunjić is a member of the Athletes’ Council of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia while Borg is a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger. Only 10 athletes worldwide are selected for this three-year position.
Borg often goes on stage to advocate for inclusivity, accessibility and representation. Utterly at ease under the spotlight, it is hard to imagine that just 10 years ago the same man was often silenced and hidden in the shadows.
“Before, I didn’t have a voice at all—people ignored me, pushed me aside, and made me feel invisible. Special Olympics welcomed me with open arms and made me feel human, like I mattered,” Borg said. “Finding that courage—without fear—to stand up, speak the truth, and show the community that I’m capable has been life-changing.
“Special Olympics gave me the support to live, to thrive, and now, to shout the truth.”
Šunjić also knows first-hand what it is like to be pushed aside and then to rise up and prove people wrong.
As a child, she was turned away from the primary school in her hometown because they did not want to accept a girl with Down syndrome. Šunjić commuted to a school further away instead and, despite being the first child with disabilities there, graduated as one of its star students.
She first got involved in sports because there were no after-school activities offered to children with disabilities, and when she won her first gold medal at the 2017 World Games, Šunjić dedicated it to children with Down syndrome in her country.
Now she is ready to shatter stereotypes again in her new government role.
“Joining the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was the beginning of a completely new chapter for me,” Šunjić said. “I was particularly inspired by projects that directly affect the promotion of culture and sports, as well as the opportunity to participate in making decisions that can improve the quality of life of young people with and without disabilities.”
Borg was also inspired to seek his role as councillor to improve the lives of others.
Promoting inclusion in communities, education and leisure are at the top of his agenda. The Maltese athlete also advocates for the right of expression and equal opportunities for people with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Part of a Bigger Change
While Borg and Šunjić are among the most prominent examples of Special Olympics athletes taking on leadership roles in the government, they are not the only ones.
Borg believes this is because the public value the skills that athletes have and can bring to these positions, such as teamwork, perseverance and leadership.
“Special Olympics athletes have experienced challenges, yet we remain loyal and focused on making a positive change. We’re not just speaking for ourselves but for everyone who seeks fairness and inclusion,” he said. “This shift can lead to a society that is more accepting, peaceful, and understanding, where happiness and equal opportunities are the norm.”
Šunjić is also optimistic that the inclusion of Special Olympics athletes in leadership roles can create a broader positive change.
“Employing Special Olympics athletes in public service provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, not only in sports, but also in other areas where they can contribute their knowledge, perseverance, and unique experiences. This practice changes society’s perception of people with intellectual disabilities,” Šunjić said.
“Special Olympics athletes are leaders in their community, and their presence in public service sends a strong message about the importance of equal opportunities and diversity.”
