The Global Athlete Congress (GAC) is a platform where Special Olympics athletes lead the way to a more inclusive world. Athlete Leaders from all 7 Special Olympics Regions will share ideas and projects they worked on in the lead-up to the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin.

During the various sessions of the Congress, they will further develop their leadership skills, so they can take on leadership roles in Special Olympics, their communities, and their workplace.

When: 15 to 19 June 2023
Where: Messe Berlin

 
Participation in the congress is only possible with an invitation.

The Congress’s official slogan “Leading Together” reflects the goal of creating a society, in which people with and without
intellectual disabilities, both inside and outside the Special Olympics movement, will lead together in all aspects of society.

The GAC in Berlin will use the Unified Leadership approach, which builds on sport and teaches individuals without disabilities to value and learn from people with intellectual disabilities to create an environment where people with intellectual disabilities get opportunities to thrive in meaningful jobs and roles. After the conclusion of the Congress, attendees return to their home countries and challenge their respective Special Olympics Programs and communities to do more than just promote inclusion, but to actually live it.