Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) announced the election of eight new members to its Europe Eurasia Leadership Council (EELC) for the 2024 – 2026 term during the Regional Leadership Conference in Berlin, Germany, on 16 October.
Chaired by Eva Gazova, Special Olympics Slovakia National Director, the EELC represents the voice of the National Programs within the region, ensuring their perspectives shape the growth and direction of the movement.
The council members, each nominated by their respective National Programs, were selected based on their proven leadership abilities and their commitment to the values of the Special Olympics movement.
Gazova said: “I am deeply honored to lead such a diverse, dynamic and committed group of leaders, each bringing unique perspectives and a shared passion for inclusion.”
“Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to champion inclusion and promote opportunities for athletes across the region. Our mission goes beyond sports—it is about transforming lives and building a more inclusive society.”
The EELC members bring a variety of experiences and perspectives, making them well-suited to drive strategic initiatives for the movement. The new council includes representatives from across Europe and Eurasia, including National Directors from Austria, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Montenegro and Portugal.
Ivan Radović, National Director of Special Olympics Montenegro, highlighted the importance of innovation within the movement. “I have led the Program in developing Unified Champion Schools and Young Athletes. I’d like to encourage the EELC to find new ideas that modernize the movement and bring SOEE closer to young people who will be our future,” he said.
Another new member, Daiva Dabrilienė, National Director of Special Olympics Lithuania, added: "I understand leadership as cooperation with other people to achieve a common goal. It is not only what needs to be done, but also how to do it. I love working and volunteering with the Special Olympics movement because everyone has opportunities to grow.”
The full list of the EELC members are:
- Eva Gazova, Special Olympics Slovakia - Chair
- Søren Jul Kristensen, Special Olympics Denmark - Member
- Daiva Dabriliene, Special Olympics Lithuania - Member
- Drita Dushi, Special Olympics Kosovo - Member
- Ivan Radovic, 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 Maiberg - Special Olympics Estonia - Athlete Representative
