Tristan Thompson Becomes Special Olympics Global Ambassador

"As a Global Ambassador, I will help inspire others to be more inclusive and take action to help change the stereotypes that exist for people with disabilities.”

Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson is about to take on an important role that may be bigger than his day-to-day role in the NBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Special Olympics International announced Thompson’s appointment as Special Olympics’ newest global ambassador. Thompson’s younger brother, Amari, was born with disabilities.

“I’m excited and honored to partner with Special Olympics,” said Thompson in a written statement. “This is a great opportunity to support an amazing organization but also use my platform and voice to help support athletes with intellectual disabilities. As a Global Ambassador, I will help inspire others to be more inclusive and take action to help change the stereotypes that exist for people with disabilities.”

👀 ICYMI: @NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is our newest Global Ambassador! @RealTristan13 explained his affinity with our movement during a @cavs basketball clinic in Paris with athletes from Special Olympics France. #InclusionRevolution @nbacares @CavsCare pic.twitter.com/mxyvUM1Qwr

— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) January 9, 2024

As an ambassador, the Cavaliers player will use his platform and experiences dealing with a person with disabilities to help promote inclusion within sports. His work will entail working with local and global entities through the Special Olympics worldwide, specifically with Special Olympics France, Special Olympics Brazil, Special Olympics Canada, and Special Olympics Ohio.

“Special Olympics is honored to name Tristan Thompson as our newest Global Ambassador,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics International. “At Special Olympics, a more inclusive world begins with sports, and the impact extends far beyond the playing field. Tristan demonstrates passion and dedication to creating a more inclusive world where exclusion has no place and everybody belongs and is respected. We join Tristan in his commitment to elevating inclusion in communities around the world and look forward to working with him to positively change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.”

Thompson is just the latest global ambassador to join the team. Other active NBA players include the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, the Chicago Bulls’ Andre Drummond, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard. Former NBA players include Ricky Rubio, Dikembe Mutombo, Sam Perkins, and Yao Ming. The Washington Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne from the WNBA is also an ambassador.

After Thompson’s mother passed away in January 2023, he filed and gained temporary legal guardianship of his brother. He is currently still trying to gain permanent legal custody.