The recording of the second webinar in the 2026 Special Olympics–IFAPA Webinar Series is now available online. The session, titled “Building Collaborative Sport Research with Special Olympics Programs,” highlighted opportunities for researchers and Special Olympics Programs to develop meaningful partnerships that support inclusive sport and evidence-based programming.
The webinar featured presentations from Dr. Roy McConkey, Dr. Franziska Loetzner, Dr. Andrew Pitchford, and Dr. Maji Shaikh, who shared practical examples of collaborative research projects and discussed how partnerships can contribute to athlete development, health promotion, and social inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The session forms part of the renewed collaboration between Special Olympics International and the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity, which seeks to strengthen research, education, and knowledge exchange in adapted physical activity and disability sport. The webinar series focuses on creating connections between researchers and Special Olympics Programs across sport, health and fitness, and education.
According to feedback received from participants and Special Olympics staff, the webinar generated valuable discussion and new ideas for future collaboration. The recording is now available through the webinar playlist and partnership resources, allowing broader access to the information shared during the event.
Webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D21j-5HagSM&list=PLIHbm7j-AXsXRUqe52NapMVyUi06uUg4q&index=2
