The ‘Beyond the Finish Line: Advancing Inclusion for All’ photo exhibition, a collaborative effort by Special Olympics and Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), opened at the Philanthropy House in Brussels, Belgium, on 2 December.
The launch of this impactful exhibition brought together leaders in philanthropy, sport, and community development to celebrate the achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities, shedding light on their journeys and the transformative impact of inclusive practices in sports, education, and health.
The exhibition, which will remain open to the public until March 2025, highlights the extraordinary efforts of Special Olympics athletes across continents, sharing moving stories of personal growth, determination, and triumph. Through a powerful visual narrative, visitors are introduced to athletes whose lives have been transformed through greater access to inclusive sports programs and educational opportunities, made possible by the partnership between Special Olympics and SNF.
Central to the exhibition is the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, a pioneering platform uniting governments, industries, philanthropic organizations, and development agencies to advance inclusive practices in education and sports. The Coalition plays a vital role in building inclusive schools and strengthening community resilience worldwide.
“‘Beyond the Finish Line: Advancing Inclusion for All’ is more than just a photo exhibition—it’s a powerful call to action for each of us to recognize the potential in every individual- regardless of ability, and the opportunity we all have to make inclusion a reality for those who need it most.”
“We are deeply thankful to the Philanthropy House for their warmest of welcomes, to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for their unwavering commitment to inclusion, and to all the partners who have supported us in making this exhibition and engagement possible. Through this work, we are breaking down barriers and opening doors for people with intellectual disabilities to thrive in every aspect of life - highlighting the benefits that social inclusion offers to the entire global community.”
The photo exhibition launches on the eve of EuroPhilantopics, the Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea)’s flagship annual event which, this year will feature, among other things, a dynamic panel discussion focused on inclusion as well as interactive sports activities organised by Special Olympics Belgium. These sessions offered attendees a deeper understanding of the critical role of inclusion in creating opportunities for all.
SNF Senior Program Officer Panos Vazaios expressed pride in supporting this initiative, emphasizing the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to empowering vulnerable populations through access to sports, education, and health services.
“Special Olympics’ simple premise—that all of us are better off when we build authentic mutual relationships across difference—believes the deep impact its work has on individuals, families, and communities around the world. This exhibition helps convey that profound impact, and we are honored to support Special Olympics in inviting more people than ever to share its vision.”
Delphine Moralis, Chief Executive Officer of the Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea), echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of collaboration.
“Hosting this exhibition aligns perfectly with Philea’s mission to foster meaningful collaboration between philanthropy and other sectors to drive positive social change. We are proud to support such an inspiring showcase of what can be achieved when we unite our efforts to create a more inclusive and just society.”
