The Power to Transform Lives

Special Olympics (SO) is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life.

In Bulgaria SO program was established in 1994 and since then is constantly advocating for access to sport for the disadvantaged groups in our society. The movement is developing opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities to practice regularly sport and to participate in competitions at different levels regardless their abilities.

Life stories of three women involved in SO will be presented to illustrate the power of sport in transforming lives of persons with intellectual disability.

Stefka Djobova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Water Sports, Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Tourism at the National Sports Academy of Sofia, Bulgaria. She is a program director of “Adapted Physical Activity & Sport” and “Adapted sport & Inclusive Education” Masters programs and member of the Academic Board. As representative of her University she is a member of the Development Committee of ICSSPE.

She has a BA in Coaching and Physical Education from the Higher institute of Physical Culture in Sofia, European Master Degree in Adapted Physical Activity and Advanced degree specialization in Psychomotor therapy from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a PhD in Sport Science from The National Sports Academy, Sofia. Her research interests encompass inclusion, social capital, coaching of athletes with disabilities, education and sport governance, mainly in the field of Adapted Physical Activity.

She is a sport director of Special Olympics Bulgaria and personally involved in the training of athletes with intellectual disabilities, consultant for the Bulgarian Sports Development Association, member of the Expert group for the HR development in sport, visiting lecturer of EUDAPA program.