STAKEHOLDERS have welcomed news that David Evangelista, president and managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, has been appointed the global movement’s new chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026.

The Special Olympics International board of directors made the announcement last month.

Aside from his role as managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, Evangelista is a senior advisor behind the movement’s international development thrust.

In his advisory capacity he has influenced the roll-out of initiatives which have bolstered a number of national programmes across the Caribbean and other regions.

“The Caribbean is celebrating the appointment of David Evangelista as the new chief executive officer of Special Olympics International,” Lorna Bell, Special Olympics Caribbean executive director, said in a statement.

She said Evangelista holds “deep commitment to the global inclusion movement” and “long-standing dedication” to regional development.

“David’s appointment is not only a win for the global Special Olympics movement but also a personal victory for the Caribbean, where his early efforts some 22 years ago laid a foundation of inclusive health systems, government engagement, and sustainable development.

“David’s advocacy in the Caribbean… [is] marked by tireless efforts to elevate the health, dignity, and rights of persons with intellectual disabilities. He was instrumental in introducing health training for clinicians across the region, ensuring that Special Olympics Caribbean athletes have access to qualified health professionals and receive the best possible care,” Bell noted.

Only last year Evangelista left an indelible mark on the Jamaica National Children’s Home when he visited its base in St Andrew.

In a statement, the children’s home said his “humility and passion” as well as “energy and eagerness to support the special needs community was immediately evident”.

Since then Evangelista, working in tandem with Special Olympics Caribbean and Lions Club Jamaica, engineered plans to upgrade the kitchen facilities at the home.

In a release, the Special Olympics board said Evangelista’s appointment came at the end of a “rigorous, open, and mission-centred process”.

He replaces Mary Davis who is set to retire at the end of 2025. Davis boasts 47 years of service to Special Olympics and has been CEO for the past decade. She has served as a volunteer, coach, programme leader, regional president, and head of Special Olympics World Games Ireland 2003 — the first global games outside of the United States.

Special Olympics International Chairman Tim Shriver stated: “We’re thrilled to have such a visionary and committed leader within our ranks, and grateful that David accepted our invitation to lead at such a critical moment in our history where the power of inclusion and the joy of sport are more needed than ever.

“Special Olympics has benefited from the extraordinary leadership of Mary Davis… and we’re all convinced that the movement will continue to grow and flourish with David taking over.”

Evangelista said he is “overwhelmed with pride and anticipation” for the journey ahead.

He added: “Mary has been a game changer for our movement, and I hope to join with our athletes, volunteers, board [members], and staff to build on her track record of powerful growth and impact in the years ahead.”

As head of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, Evangelista oversees programme operations in 58 countries in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia where he provides strategic direction and engagement with the public and private sector to raise awareness and gain support.

He brings over two decades of Special Olympics experience, a family history that introduced him to the movement as a child, a broad international perspective, and a deep commitment to inclusion and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

David EvangelistaPhoto: Collin Reid