Last month, Special Olympics International and Soccerex signed their renewed four-year partnership agreement at Soccerex Miami, highlighting their shared commitment to using soccer as a tool for inclusivity.
The updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) follows the initial partnership agreement signed in 2024, which led to incredible collaboration between both parties, including Special Olympics featured in panel discussions at Soccerex Miami, Soccerex Cairo and Soccerex Amsterdam – three cities in three Special Olympics regions with significant opportunities for soccer development.
The four-year term of the MOU corresponds to the recently launched Special Olympics Global football development strategy (2025-2030), where Soccerex commits to supporting the Special Olympics in their goal of providing fair football opportunities for everyone worldwide.
The signing of the MOU took center stage at the Miami Beach Convention Center, with Special Olympics soccer player and Board of Directors member Emanuelle Dutra (Manu) shares her story about how football has contributed to her development as a person, both on and off the playing field.
“Through football I have learned to persevere, to fight for what I believe in, to motivate people, to encourage people and not to give up on things, even when it sometimes looks difficult,” Manu proudly told the audience. “These opportunities (including soccer opportunities) and many others that Special Olympics offers me, and millions of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have led me to places I have never dreamed of.
Joining Manu were Garrett Navia, CEO of Soccerex, Jon-Paul St. Germain, Vice President of Sport Development for Special Olympics International, and Special Olympics Florida soccer players from the Miami area.
“Soccerex is excited to partner with Special Olympics to use soccer as a tool for inclusion on the world stage. As the Soccerex network grows globally, we are excited for Special Olympics to grow with us,” said Navia.
Key components of this partnership will provide Special Olympics with access to Soccerex events and to the Soccerex network of more than 6,000 experts within the soccer industry, from executives to clubs, leagues, federations, technology and equipment suppliers, and many others connected to the soccer industry.
Soccerex demonstrates their commitment to bringing the football world together, not only at their events, but also through their partnership with Special Olympics, driving inclusion around the world, using football as a catalyst for change.
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