The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.

And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

At Special Olympics Suffolk we are proud of all the women in our organisation that coach, volunteer and support our athletes. We thank them for giving their time generously to create a safe and inclusive space for women and girls in sport. We support the ‘This girl can’ campaign https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/

Olympic gymnast superstar and gold medal holder Grace inspires others. She told SOS that she inspires others by competing in Berlin in the Special Olympics World Games, representing her country and by telling others about her experiences. Grace has recently embarked on a course run by SOGB to become an Athlete Leader, mentored by her mum Karen. Inspirational women indeed!

Waveney Gymnastics Club coach, Ellen (pictured above with Grace), says that coaching Grace and other gymnasts with learning disabilities is inspirational. She feels very privileged to be able to give opportunities to all ages, all abilities to take part in gymnastics as a sport and for those in SOS to take compete in and enjoy the experiences of taking part in competitions locally, nationally and internationally. Ellen was part of the gymnastics coaching team at the World Games in Berlin in June 2024 and over the years has been a really inspirational role model for Grace.

SOS and SOGB Athlete Leader Abbie is a staunch supporter of encouraging more women into sport. Orwell Panthers Athletics Club head coach Mitzi has been a huge inspiration to Abbie, nurturing and encouraging her to compete and train in athletics.

Patron (and gold medal holder) Evie is an inspirational figurehead for SOS having competed in Boccia in the Paralympics herself. Evie trains and officiates at Boccia competitions on behalf of ActivLives and is employed at Ace Anglia.

Grace, Evie and Donna are inspiration women at Special Olympics Suffolk

Donna (pictured above and below) has undertaken the SOS Athlete Leadership Programme and is now embarking on the Athlete Leader Training at SOGB with the support of Chairperson, Dr Allison Boggis. Donna inspires other badminton players at SOS by regularly attending training sessions herself, encouraging others and being a great role model for the sport.

At Special Olympics Suffolk we believe that everyone everywhere can inspire inclusion.