Anna Bottino

Background

About Anna Bottino

I am an advocate, scholar, and educator committed to advancing equity and inclusion across diverse social identities in higher education, sport, and physical activity. Currently, I serve as the Associate Director of Health at Special Olympics New York, where I lead statewide and regional health initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and promote inclusive practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities. My work centers on enhancing athlete well-being and strengthening community engagement through accessible, person-centered programming. Alongside this role, I am a Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota, contributing to projects on gender and sexual orientation among youth and young adult athlete populations. This work reflects my broader commitment to centering LGBTQ+ voices and experiences in sport scholarship. I am also actively involved with Athlete Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity in sport. Over the years, I have held several roles and currently support the planning and execution of the Athlete Activism Summit—an event that unites college athletes, coaches, and administrators to build a more inclusive future in sport. My teaching experience spans courses in research, sport, leadership, and physical education, with a focus on belonging, access, and the inclusion of all stakeholders in sport and movement spaces. I am passionate about creating joyful, empowering, and equitable opportunities in sport and physical activity, where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.