Special Olympics Gibraltar (SOG) officially opened its landmark 40th anniversary exhibition in the Gustavo Bacarisis Gallery in Casemates Square on Wednesday evening, 3rd December, with a celebratory reception attended by athletes, families, friends, supporters, and distinguished guests.
The invitation-only opening event gave guests the first look at an impressive collection of displays tracing four decades of sporting achievement and inclusion. Hundreds of photographs, medals and trophies brought to life the courage, determination, and enjoyment of SOG athletes from 1985 to the present day. A special section also honoured the ongoing commitment of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the support provided by Gibraltar’s law enforcement community. Athletes, the true stars of the evening, were each presented with a commemorative 40th anniversary souvenir coin as a token of appreciation for their contribution to the movement.
Although the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, was unable to attend, a message from him was read by the Minister for Equality and Culture, the Hon Christian Santos, who conveyed the Government’s congratulations, and best wishes to SOG for the next 40 years.
Among the guests was Mr Gonzalo Ramos, representing Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, who travelled from Madrid to join the celebrations and express the regional organisation’s pride in Gibraltar’s long-standing contribution to the global Special Olympics family.
The exhibition is now open to the public free of charge in Casemates Square until Wednesday 10th December 2025, from 9 am to 7 pm daily.
Annie Risso, National Director of Special Olympics Gibraltar, said: “Last night was a very special moment for everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 40 years. Seeing our athletes surrounded by so much love and recognition was truly heart-warming. We now invite the whole community to visit the exhibition and share in these memories.”
