Special Olympics CEO Creates Social Change for People with Disabilities in Belgium

Zehra Sayin believes in a world where sharing goodwill and support in a limitless way helps ensure happier lives and communities. As the Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Belgium, she is setting a positive example by strengthening the narrative around the celebration of differences and providing a beacon of hope for people with intellectual disabilities. Despite progress over recent years, people with cognitive impairments and disabilities continue to face negative social stereotypes and stigmas. Many people lack access to healthcare, education and social protection, and encounter the threat of ongoing discrimination, neglect and abuse. Zehra believes in the power of sport to bridge opportunity gaps while bringing people together to create sustainable social change.

In 2014, Zehra was hired as the Marketing Director of the European Summer Special Olympic Games, and a year later became the CEO of Special Olympics Belgium. In addition, she is the Chairwoman of Collectif HUMA, a non-profit organization using photography to raise awareness of the human rights violations against migrants, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities across the country.

Through her GSMP experience, Zehra hopes to learn innovative ways to advance the Special Olympics mission and expand the inclusive sport community in Belgium. For GSMP: Sport for Community 2022, Zehra will be mentored by Barbara Peacock, Recreation Assistant at Mesa Parks, and her team in Mesa, AZ.