This International Day of Families, Special Olympics is celebrating the parents, siblings, and caregivers who are the heartbeat of the Special Olympics movement. Families shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support that fuels confidence and makes impactful changes to athletes' lives.
Families volunteer, coach, are active in local Special Olympics Programs, and are changemakers in their communities around the world. They also contribute by participating in local and global Family Leadership Councils. Special Olympics programming like the Special Olympics Global Family Leadership Council (GFLC) encourages families to get involved, leading them to grow in ways they’d never expected.
The GFLC, formerly known as the Global Family Input Council, serves as the collective voice of families within the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Its mission is to represent, support, and advocate for families across all Regions, helping to shape and strengthen global family engagement. The GFLC is committed to developing meaningful strategies, offering thoughtful feedback on family initiatives, and championing active family participation at every level. The Council is comprised of seven dedicated members, one from each Region. Each member serves a three-year term. Through their work, the GFLC hopes to inspire other families to connect, contribute, and lead, showing that when families are empowered and united, the entire movement grows stronger.
This month, we’re launching part one of a global series highlighting all seven members of the GLFC and their connection to health. Below, meet Pelo and Amal–proof that family participation can transform lives and communities.
Pelotlhomogi (Pelo) Rantseo – Special Olympics Africa – Parent
Pelo, a devoted mom from Botswana, first connected with Special Olympics through the Special Olympics Young Athletes program over 13 years ago. Since then, she has become a trusted family leader in her community–hosting Family Health Forums, sitting on the Special Olympics Family Health Advisory Committee, and standing alongside other families as a voice for wellness and inclusion. Her son, Kutlo, a Special Olympics Botswana athlete, has thrived in this environment.
Pelo shared her experience, describing how being an active member in Special Olympics Programs has changed her and Kutlo’s life. “This has been an eye-opening experience for me and has encouraged me to consider my son for any activity and believe in him,” she mentioned. “Kutlo learned cooking and he is able to cut vegetables on his own, clean the dishes, and dish for [serve] everyone at the table.”
Pelo’s involvement shows that families can grow alongside their athletes. She’s become an example of what’s possible when families take small steps and create healthier home environments. Pelo shared a few words of advice for new families looking to get involved. “My message to new families is that the movement is going to change their lives as well as perceptions,” Pelo added. “They are going to realize the sky is the limit, that their family member is more talented than they thought, they are going to experience joy and expand their knowledge through interaction with other families.”
Amal Khafaoui – Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa – Sibling
In Morocco, Amal Khafaoui, a compassionate sister who discovered that learning about Special Olympics sports programming brought her family closer. What started as interest for Amal quickly turned into action. Amal became active in Special Olympics over eight years ago, initially by joining her brother Hakim at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screenings and sport competitions.
Since then, Amal has encouraged other families and siblings to join SO various activities including inclusive activities—helping them believe in what’s possible for their loved ones and for themselves.
Her brother Hakim, a Special Olympics Morocco athlete, is a voice of inspiration to others, speaking on radio shows and at workshops. Amal has watched him grow not only in ability, but in purpose. “My little brother Hakim is more than just family—he’s a spark of hope in every room he enters,” Amal said. “Today, he has a job. He speaks on radio shows and workshops to advocate for inclusion and rights. Watching Hakim live fully and proudly reminded me—and everyone around him—that dreams are not just possible. They’re powerful. And they can light the way for others.”
Pelo’s and Amal’s stories reflect the mission of the Global Family Leadership Council—a group of family leaders around the world who are lighting the way for family engagement. This is what family engagement in Special Olympics is all about: having families become active in the movement, educating them to improve and promote well-being, and empowering them to become leaders and advocates for health and inclusion. Learn how to become a voice for Special Olympics families by starting a Family Leadership Council in your local Special Olympics Program.
