Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, standing up for inclusivity, building community and driving impact every day. They shape each athlete’s journey by providing a unique kind of love and support in a way that promotes their physical, emotional and personal development.
Wendy Trotter, a mother from British Columbia Special Olympicsand Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva, a caregiver from Special Olympics Lithuaniashowing how transformative that love and support can be. Wendy and Vaiva joined the first cohort of the Global Family Leadership Council (GFLC) in 2023. Formerly known as the Global Family Input Council, the GFLC serves as the collective voice of families within the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Its mission is to represent, support and advocate for families in all regions, helping shape and strengthen global family engagement. Council members come from diverse backgrounds (parents, siblings and caregivers) and represent all seven regions, with each member serving a three-year term.
This month we are launching part four of a global series highlighting all seven members of the GFLC 2023 – 2025 cohort and their connections to health. Meet Wendy and Vaiva below.
Wendy Trotter – Special Olympics British Columbia – Parent
When Wendy Trotter watched her son Wally participate in his first Special Olympics training in British Columbia, she saw not only a sport, but also peace of mind. She saw coaches who welcomed him without judgment, teammates who encouraged him, and a safe place where effort was more important than results, building in him confidence, skill, and connection. For Wendy, Special Olympics became the promise that her child would be there, cared for, healthy, and that she, as a parent, could breathe easier knowing he was supported.
Outside of sports, Wendy has also seen firsthand the benefits of Special Olympics Health programming. Wendy shared her experiences attending one Family Health Forumdetailing how the forums have a lasting impact on the health of Special Olympics athletes and their families. “I liked how they understand the unique challenges of addressing the health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” she said. “They provide information and tips on how to work with your athlete to help them understand the components of their health, the importance of it, and how to approach it. They were available to answer more specific questions as every athlete is different.”
Family Health Forums provide a space for parents, caregivers, and siblings of individuals with IDD to connect with health professionals, community leaders, and social service providers. The Forums also introduce new families to the Special Olympics and health programs offered through this forum Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, Special Olympic Games young athletesand other community-based programs.
Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva – Special Olympics Lithuania – Older
On the other side of the ocean, Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva’s 11 years at Special Olympics Lithuania reveal a different, but equally powerful, journey: change that happens one small victory at a time. Through her involvement with the Special Olympics, Vaiva said she learned patience, celebrated small triumphs and watched an athlete she coached become a friend, then a protective guardian and finally a neighbor who owns his own home. “One of the most meaningful parts of my journey is my friendship with Erikas,” she said.
Vaiva added, “I met him for the first time [Erikas] when he was 16 years old, he attended the athletic training sessions that I coached. Over time our bond grew stronger and through Special Olympics we became not only friends but family.” Vaiva eventually became Erikas’ guardian and was present with him to see him graduate from school, earn a higher education degree, and get a full-time job.
As their relationship grew, Vaiva and Erikas also became involved in Special Olympics Health programming. Over the years, they participated in Family Health Forums and used resources such as the Special Olympic Fit 5 Guide to improve their health and fitness. The Fit 5 Guide encouraged them to stay active together and provided a simple and reliable plan for physical activity, nutrition and hydration. Family Health Forums also served as a source of encouragement and positivity, and a shared sense of community.
Erikas’ path from training sessions to full-time work, leadership roles and independence grew because someone stayed, believed and showed up, day after day.
These are not rare miracles. They are the everyday results when families, parents, siblings, caregivers, coaches and mentors get involved, advocate for inclusion and demonstrate the power of love and support. Whether you’re new or already involved, there are countless ways to connect, lead, and grow with us. Read more by looking at the Family Engagement Toolkit and Resources.
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