Families are at the heart of Special Olympics, championing inclusion, building community, and driving impact every day. They shape every athlete’s journey by offering a unique type of love and support in a way that nurtures their physical, emotional, and personal development.
Wendy Trotter, a mother from Special Olympics British Columbia, and Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva, a caregiver from Special Olympics Lithuania, show just how transformative that love and support can be. Wendy and Vaiva joined the first cohort of the Global Family Leadership Council (GFLC) back in 2023. 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. Council members come from diverse backgrounds—parents, siblings, and caregivers—representing all seven regions, with each member serving a three-year term.
This month, we’re launching part four of a global series highlighting all seven members of the 2023 – 2025 GFLC cohort and their connection to health. Below, meet Wendy and Vaiva.
Wendy Trotter – Special Olympics British Columbia – Parent
When Wendy Trotter watched her son Wally join his first Special Olympics practice in British Columbia, she didn’t just see a sport, she saw peace of mind. She saw coaches who welcomed him without judgement, teammates who cheered him on, and a safe place where effort mattered more than results giving him confidence, skill, and belonging. For Wendy, Special Olympics became the promise that her child would be included, cared for, and healthy, and that she, as a parent, could breathe easier knowing he was supported.
Outside of sport, Wendy has also seen the benefits of Special Olympics Health programming firsthand. Wendy shared her experience attending a Family Health Forum, describing how the Forums leave a lasting impact on the health of Special Olympics athletes and their families. “I did like how they understand the unique challenges of addressing the health needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD),” she mentioned. “They work at providing information and tips on how to work with your athlete on helping them understand the components of their health, and importance of it, and how to address it. They were available to answer more specific questions as every athlete is different.”
Family Health Forums provide a space for parents, caregivers, and siblings of individuals with IDD to engage with health professionals, community leaders and social service providers. The Forums also introduce new families to Special Olympics and Health programming provided through Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, Special Olympics Young Athletes, and other community-based programs.
Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva – Special Olympics Lithuania – Parent
Across the ocean, Vaiva Abramaviciute-da Silva’s 11 years with Special Olympics Lithuania show a different but equally powerful journey: change that happens one small victory at a time. Through being involved in Special Olympics, Vaiva shared that she learned patience, celebrated tiny triumphs, and watched an athlete she coached become a friend, then a protected guardian, and finally a neighbor who owns his own home. “One of the most meaningful parts of my journey is my friendship with Erikas,” she shared.
Vaiva added, “I first met him [Erikas] when he was 16 years old, attending the athletics training sessions I was leading as a coach. Over time, our bond grew stronger, and through Special Olympics, we became not only friends but also family.” Vaiva eventually became Erikas’ guardian and has been there with him to watch him graduate from school, earn a higher education degree, and work a full-time job.
As their relationship grew, Vaiva and Erikas also found themselves involved in Special Olympics Health programming. Over the years, they participated in Family Health Forums and used resources like the Special Olympics Fit 5 Guide to improve their health and fitness. The Fit 5 Guide encouraged them to stay active together and offered a simple and reliable plan for physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. Family Health Forums also served as a source of encouragement and positivity, and a shared sense of community.
Erikas’s path from training sessions to full-time work, leadership roles, and independence grew because someone stayed, believed, and showed up, day after day.
These aren’t rare miracles. They are the everyday results when families, parents, siblings, caregivers, coaches, and mentors get involved, champion inclusion and demonstrate the power of love and support. Whether you’re new or already involved, there are countless ways to connect, lead, and grow with us. Learn more by checking out the Family Engagement Toolkit and Resources.
