Happy New Year! 

I’m David Evangelista, and I am honored to be the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics International. It’s a great pleasure to meet you! 

Before we look ahead to 2026, I want to start with a big thank you. You brought so much joy and support to our inclusion movement throughout 2025. On behalf of all of us, I extend our sincere gratitude to you for going above and beyond to help change the lives of our athletes—indeed all of us—through your generous support.

Special Olympics has always been a part of my life, since my early childhood. My father helped create Special Olympics in my home state of Rhode Island years ago, and I have had the honor of learning from the athletes of Special Olympics ever since. I remember some of my earliest childhood memories include local Special Olympics events, athletes giving it their all: on the track, on the court, and in the pool. These memories remain strong. 
 
I will never forget volunteering at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut. It was my first formal volunteer experience since my early involvement in Rhode Island, and it was unforgettable. The Games in New Haven gave me a deep understanding of what was possible when inclusion was brought to the forefront. I saw athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) overcome challenges in a way that motivated me to try and do the same. I saw parents and families beam with pride, with unity. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this energy and vision. 

It is with great humility and gratitude that I share some of these anecdotes—memories that have helped shape not only who I am, but what I see as possible in the world around us. When we invest in the lives of Special Olympics athletes, we invest in progress and potential. When we invest in inclusion through sport, we invest in a healthier life—physically, emotionally, spiritually—for us all. I have seen this first-hand in many nations throughout the world. I have seen children with ID take their first steps on the pitch. I have seen national governments first learn of the prolific power of Special Olympics athletes in their home countries. I have seen athletes grow into global advocates, even elected leaders. I have seen all of this while remembering: much work remains. 
 
My vision for Special Olympics in 2026 is simple: the power of inclusion is boundless—and so too are the limits to the good we can do, together. Athletes of ALL ages and abilities, from every background, in nearly every country on earth, are waiting for their chance to join a team, to get in the game, to be recognized. Families are ready to celebrate the achievements of their children, rightfully. Coaches, volunteers, and entire communities are gearing up for the action—including the exciting 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota! 
 
I hope you’re as excited as I am about the future ahead of us—a future of inclusion, a future Unified. Our growing, millions-strong Special Olympics family is stronger than ever. There is a world that is dedicating itself to expanding our movement to more and more individuals with ID: in schools, in the workplace, and in the community.  

Thank you, for welcoming me into this new role—and for being such a big part of this effort. Can’t wait to get in the game and see you there!

David Evangelista President & Chief Executive Officer Special Olympics