Actor Chris Pratt and author Katherine Schwarzenegger have been named the newest Special Olympics Global Ambassadors, joining the frontlines of the global movement for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
Schwarzenegger, the granddaughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, said:
Special Olympics has always been a huge part of my life. My grandmother dedicated her entire existence to being an advocate for those with special needs and my childhood consisted of going to SOI events and my cousins and I being camp counselors at Camp Shriver. Chris and I are so thrilled to be a part of the SO family as a couple and to continue to spread the mission of SO and advocate whenever and wherever we can about inclusion, dignity and acceptance. This is a movement that speaks to our hearts as parents and individually
Pratt added:
I’ve had a lot of roles in my life—actor, producer, father—and I’m humbled by the chance to serve as an ambassador for Special Olympics.
I’m continually amazed by the bravery and spirit of these wonderful athletes. I stand by Special Olympics on their quest make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Pratt and Schwarzenegger will focus largely on Special Olympics Unified Sports ® and Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming, which fosters climates of acceptance and inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in schools around the world. Sports, the heart of Special Olympics, was a distinct draw for Pratt.
The couple’s inaugural two-year term as ambassadors begins in October 2021.