“Sven’s experience in shaping Special Olympics Germany into the powerhouse it is today, combined with his leadership in celebrating a remarkable Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 in Berlin, makes Sven a tremendous asset to our Europe, Eurasia region and the broader movement,” said David Evangelista, President and CEO of Special Olympics. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to building partnerships, mobilizing teams and creating more opportunities for our athletes on and off the field. Nations across the region are now positioned to benefit from Sven’s long-standing commitment and passion for our movement.”
Albrecht has been committed to the global sports movement for more than twenty years. Originally an intern at Special Olympics Germany in 2003, he played a key role in strengthening local programming in the German states, especially Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Berlin. This core programming laid a critical foundation for the sustainable development of inclusive programming for people with intellectual disabilities across the country.
Albrecht managed all sports for the national organization for many years and has been national director of Special Olympics Germany since 2010. Under his leadership, Special Olympics Germany significantly grew athlete participation, expanded its programmatic initiatives and increased political recognition, including becoming a full member of the German Olympic Sports Association (DOSB).
“It is a great pleasure and honor for me to take on the responsibility as President and Managing Director for the Europe Eurasia region. I firmly believe that together with the National Programs and the SOEE team, we will further strengthen the region and drive greater inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I thank Special Olympics International for their trust and look forward to many meetings with the athletes. Together we are stronger.”
Sven Albrecht, president and general manager of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia
“Special Olympics is more than a professional chapter for Sven,” says Christiane Krajewski, President of Special Olympics Germany. “His tireless dedication to inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities is truly inspiring. His mark on our national program will long endure and he has set the bar high for the next leader of Special Olympics Germany.”
The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 are among Albrecht’s many significant achievements. He led the procurement, preparation and implementation of the nine-day global event for 6,500 athletes from 176 national delegations. In addition, Berlin 2023 has:
- 26 sports, 1,300 competitions and 4,000 medals
- 18,000 volunteers
- 330,000 visitors
- 800 hours of competition
- 400 hours of live broadcast through a unique media alliance with eleven members
- 100,000 tickets sold
- 15,000 Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® impressions
As a result, Albrecht has secured long-term public funding as well as numerous private sector partners, resulting in significant political support for Special Olympics Germany.
Former Regional President and General Manager for Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer by the Special Olympics International Board of Directors early this year.
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