Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
In the News

Special Olympics and The Union Cycliste Internationale Pen Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Inclusion in the Sport of Cycling

Group gather for photo at the finish line for cycling at Brandenburg Gate
UCI and Special Olympics Sign MOU at Brandenburg Gate

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Special Olympics joined forces at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 with the goal of engaging more individuals with intellectual disability (ID) to take part in cycling. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 18 June by Special Olympics representatives Mary Davis, CEO, and Lou Lauria, Chief of Sport, as well as The UCI representatives David Lappartient, President, and Amina Lanaya, Director General, at the historic Brandenburg Gate.

The UCI, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, is the world governing body of cycling as it leads the development and oversight of cycling in all its forms and for all people, as a competitive sport, a healthy leisure activity and a sustainable means of transport, but also as a way to have fun. The union of Special Olympics and The UCI is helping to shape the future of cycling by helping to inspire and train more people with and without ID to compete in the sport.

While increasing the number of participants in cycling, the focus of the MOU is to use and adapt existing and new resources to expand cooperation, communications and education of UCI and Special Olympics to encourage others to join the Movement of inclusion in sport.

“The UCI shares the same common values as Special Olympics International and cycling truly lives those values as a sport, health and leisure activity. It is sport for all in every sense of the word and this partnership is well aligned in so many aspects. Special Olympic sport cyclists and athletes who incorporate cycling into their training, or those who cycle with their families, to work or school will all benefit. We could not be more excited to expand our family of international federation partners and embark on some exciting work with the UCI."
Lou Lauria, Chief of Sport, Special Olympics

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023

The Special Olympics World Games offer the opportunity to unite the world like no other event can.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics World Games Berlin Opening Ceremony Kicks Off World’s Largest Sporting and Humanitarian Event in 2023

Fifty thousand athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters of the World Games joined together in an electric celebration of inclusion in Olympiastadion, Berlin.
3 Min Read

Hasbro Supports Special Olympics World Games

Support for the World Games includes sponsorship of the Global Youth Leadership Summit, Founders Reception, and donations of Hasbro toys and games for Athlete Lounges.
3 Min Read