Special Olympics Australia

The Special Olympics Australia team will be taking a break over Christmas and New Year. Our office will be closed from Monday 23 December 2024 to Friday 10 January 2025. We wish you a safe and restful festive season, and we can't wait to see you again in 2025! #ChooseToInclude #InclusiveSport

Last chance - early bird tickets close this Friday! Join us on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at the iconic NSW Parliament House for our Inspirational Women’s Breakfast – a morning designed to inspire, connect, and empower, all while supporting the vital work of Special Olympics Australia. This is more than an event – it’s an opportunity to network, celebrate incredible women, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Looking for the perfect gift? Treat your colleagues, clients, friends, family, or yourself to an unforgettable experience. Don’t wait – secure your early bird tickets today: https://lnkd.in/gE-5bxQc #Leadership #Networking #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #WomenInSport #WomenInBusiness

Our CEO, Pierre Comis, has announced he will step down from his role in March next year. Pierre joined us in February 2020 as Head of Schools and Participation and was appointed to the CEO role in August 2021. Pierre said: “It has been a great privilege to lead Special Olympics Australia and champion inclusive sport. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and am confident in the strong and capable team we have in place to ensure the continued growth and evolution of the movement in Australia.” Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/4iCxOzK #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #Leadership Special Olympics Asia Pacific | Special Olympics

What a year for our Inclusive Sport Academy! We’re proud to share these incredible achievements: - 71.1% course completion rate – far exceeding global averages of 3–15%! - 6,580 courses completed out of 9,250 enrollments. - Learners spent an average of 15+ minutes per session, showing deep engagement. Together, we’re transforming the future of inclusive sports education. Join thousands of educators, coaches, and advocates in creating a more inclusive world. To find out more visit: https://bit.ly/41q9uLm Playbk Sports | Gallagher | Gallagher Australia | Australian Sports Commission

A heartfelt thank you to McGrathNicol and Harry and Anna Mezger for hosting today’s inspiring event in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3, 2024). Harry, a multi medal-winning athlete who represented Australia at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, and his mum, Anna, Vice Chair of our Board, shared powerful stories of resilience, achievement, and the impact of inclusion. This event was a reminder of the incredible potential of people with intellectual disabilities when given the opportunity to shine. It also highlighted the role businesses and organisations can play in creating more inclusive environments. If your organisation would like to include Special Olympics Australia athletes in your messages of inclusion or invite our athletes or staff to share their experiences and insights with your teams, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can promote understanding, celebrate ability, and drive meaningful inclusion. #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #InclusiveSport #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #IDPWD

In case you missed it, last Friday was a huge day (and we’re still buzzing!). A record breaking gift from LETR Victoria and Melbourne announced as host city of the 2026 National Games. Relive all the excitement with us! #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #InclusiveSport Pierre Comis | Matt Volk | Special Olympics

This morning, we announced that Melbourne will be the Host City for the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games. In the lead up to the announcement, Law Enforcement Torch Run – Victoria and Special Olympics athletes carried the Flame of Hope through the streets of Melbourne. Then there was an extra special surprise! LETR Victoria presented us with a big cheque for $392,436. This is the largest gift given by LETR Victoria and it represents their extraordinary commitment to fundraising to support more people with intellectual disability and/or autism to play sport, make friends and have a place to belong. Thank you LETR Victoria. You are champions of inclusion and athletes treasure your enthusiasm and kindness. #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #InclusiveSport Special Olympics | Pierre Comis | Matt Volk

Exciting news – Melbourne has been named host city for the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games! Our CEO Pierre Comis said: “The event will showcase the power of our movement which is more than just sport. Special Olympics uses sport, health, education and leadership as a catalyst for inclusion of people with intellectual disability and/or autism in all walks of life.” The National Games will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Australia, creating a platform for a celebration of inclusion. Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/3D9Hj9e #InclusiveSport #ChooseToInclude #SpecialOlympicsAus #SportsBiz #VisitVictoria Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions | Vicsport | Special Olympics | Australian Sports Commission

Our journey with the Grant Thornton Australia Foundation since 2018 has been one of collaboration, inclusion, and impact. Together, we’ve championed the power of sport to break down barriers and foster belonging for young Australians with intellectual disabilities.    Here are some of the highlights:  - 640 Inclusive Sport and Schools Programs delivered, reaching 27,000 students across 516 schools.  - Online coaching initiatives to equip teachers and coaches to better support inclusion.  - Hosting our Mini Olympics in Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne, bringing joy and awareness to communities.  - $105,000 in donations and countless hours of passionate engagement from Grant Thornton teams.    This partnership has truly embodied the spirit of inclusion through sport. Thank you, Grant Thornton Foundation, for helping us make such a lasting difference! Want to learn more? If you are an educator and are interested in making sport and physical activity accessible for all, visit https://lnkd.in/dM8YDb9 #SpecialOlympicsAus #ChooseToInclude #InclusiveSport #Partnership #SMSports

Special Olympics Australia recognises that today is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and we celebrate inclusion - today and everyday. For almost 50 years, our dedicated community has brought the joy of sport and inclusion to people with intellectual disability . This photo demonstates our long-term commitment to inclusion. It was 1977, and our volunteers gave 900 individuals from 10 institutions a rare chance to come together to be physically active, have fun and make friends. Today, Special Olympics Australia supports people with intellectual disability to play sport as well as become leaders. Choose to include today and everyday. #ChooseToInclude #IDPwD2024 Special Olympics Special Olympics Asia Pacific