Gilmour Borg received Fair Play Award for Peace 2025 on behalf of Special Olympics

On September 16, 2025, Special Olympics International was honored with the prestigious "Fair Play for Peace" award in Brussels, recognizing its commitment to promoting inclusion and peace through sport.

Established by the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), this award acknowledges organizations that exemplify the principles of fair play and utilize sport as a vehicle for social change and solidarity. Special Olympics was celebrated for its global efforts in providing year-round sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering a culture of respect, unity, and empowerment.

"Being a Special Olympics athlete isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about winning over our own doubts and fears." Gilmour Borg

Gilmour Borg, a Special Olympics Malta athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, delivered a powerful speech at the 2025 Fair Play for Peace Award ceremony in Brussels, where Special Olympics International was honored for its commitment to inclusion and peace through sport. Borg's address emphasized the transformative power of sport in fostering unity and understanding among individuals with intellectual disabilities. He highlighted the importance of fair play, respect, and the shared values that bring athletes together, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

Full Speech - Gilmour Borg

Honoured guests, dear friends,

As I was preparing for today’s address, I found myself reflecting about my developing years and how significant being at PEACE really is … what it means to live in a fairer society.

Was society fair to me when I was a child? Was it fair that sometimes, people looked at me differently because of my intellectual disability?

As Mr. Shriver just said, Special Olympics is not just a charity organisation; it’s a dream.

Special Olympics gives purpose to life, for millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world.

This is exactly my story.

Once a child who faced many challenges—bullied, struggling with my mental well-being…Today, someone stronger, proud to be part of a movement that brings joy and creates opportunities.

I grew up as a teenager who often felt left out—at school and even socially…Today, I am proud to be an athlete who celebrates the success of my friends as we cross the finish line together.

The Special Olympics mentality has shaped me into the person who I am today:

·      an athletes’ leader among my peers

·      a passionate advocate for inclusion who believes in the potential of every person.

·      And an elected representative in my hometown of Birkirkara,

Being an athlete of Special Olympics isn’t just about winning medals it’s about winning over our own doubts and fears.

The power of sport goes far beyond competition, as it builds respect and breaks down barriers that once seemed impossible. We push to unite communities with different ideas, opinions and thoughts.

In Berlin we witnessed this. In Turin we lived this, and today, we stand here to celebrate the life-changing impact that Special Olympics makes to the lives of millions of athletes every single day.

“Peace begins with a smile.” These are the words of an incredible woman, Mother Teresa. She showed us how simple actions, combined with courage, can change the world.

We can all be drivers of peace, through our actions, by embracing everyone’s abilities and by focusing on what can unite us.

On behalf of over five million athletes, volunteers, coaches, and families, I want to thank you for recognizing the Special Olympics’ mission, our mission, of bringing smiles to everyone, without distinction.

So my final message is pretty simple: join our movement in spreading joy and share fun.

Because peace always begins with a smile.