(Washington, DC – January 30, 2026) – Special Olympics International has appointed Sven Albrecht as Regional President and Managing Director for Europe and Eurasia, effective April 1, 2026. Albrecht will provide strategic direction and oversee program operations in 58 countries in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
“Sven’s experience in transforming Special Olympics Germany into the powerhouse it is today, coupled with his leadership of the spectacular celebration of the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, make Sven a tremendous asset to the 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 increased opportunities for athletes on and off the field. Countries across the region are now positioned to benefit from Sven’s longstanding dedication and passion for our movement.”
Albrecht has dedicated more than twenty years to the global sports movement, originally working as a trainee for Special Olympics Germany in 2003. He played a key role in promoting local programs in the German states, especially Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Berlin. This grassroots programming laid a critical foundation for the sustainable development of inclusive programming for people with intellectual disabilities across the country.
For several years, Albrecht managed all sports for the national organization, and since 2010 he has served as National Director of Special Olympics Germany. Under his leadership, Special Olympics Germany has achieved significant growth in athlete participation, expanded its programmatic initiatives, and increased political recognition including becoming a full member of the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB).
“It is a great pleasure and honor for me to take charge as President and Director General of the Europe and Eurasia Region. I am firmly convinced that, together with the national programs and the SOEE team, we will further strengthen the region and drive further inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. I thank Special Olympics International for its trust and look forward to many more meetings with athletes. Together, we are stronger.”
Sven Albrecht, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia
“Special Olympics is more than just a professional class for Sven,” said Christiane Krajewski, President of Special Olympics Germany. “His tireless dedication to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities is truly inspiring. His mark on our national program will endure for a long time, and he has set high standards for the next leader of Special Olympics Germany.”
The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is among Albrecht’s many significant accomplishments. He led the bidding, preparation and delivery of the nine-day global event for 6,500 athletes from 176 national delegations. In addition, Berlin 2023 features:
- 26 sports, 1300 competitions and 4000 medals
- 18,000 volunteers
- 330,000 visitors
- 800 hours of competition
- 400 hours of live broadcast through a first-of-its-kind media alliance that includes 11 members
- 100,000 tickets sold
- 15,000 offers for able-bodied Special Olympics athletes
As a result, Albrecht was able to secure long-term public funding as well as numerous private sector partners, resulting in significant political support for Special Olympics Germany.
Former Regional President and Managing Director for Europe and Eurasia, David Evangelista, was appointed President and CEO by the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International at the beginning of the year.
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