Nairobi, Kenya – 6 September 2024 – In recognition of Special Olympics Kenya’s continued excellence in sports leadership, the program will play host to 80 delegates from 19 countries on the occasion of the Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference from 9-11 September at the Trademark Suites in Enaki.
Special Olympics Kenya was the first program in Africa to start Special Olympics programming in 1978 and is today the region’s largest program with 83,175 registered athletes and Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities). The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, breaking down barriers so they can participate as full members of their community.
This year marks the 20th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference and will cover three days of sessions that include international speakers on local program development, good governance, governmental relations, fundraising, social media marketing, data collection and fundraising.
A showcase of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program will take place at Lions Sight First Hospital, providing free health screenings to athletes with intellectual disabilities in the fields of vision, audiology, dentistry, prevention and nutrition, and a physical exam. This event will include an Inclusive Health panel discussion, supported by long-standing global health partner Golisano Foundation, followed by a Badminton Africa theory and demonstration session made possible by partner Gallagher.
“We are proud to host our conference with our oldest and largest Program, Special Olympics Kenya. This local organization has excelled in delivering Special Olympics programming to the most marginalized in their society, not just on the sports field but in the classroom with inclusive education and in the health sector with free Healthy Athletes® screenings. The partnership with Lions Sight First Hospital is a landmark site showcasing the life changing work we can do for people with intellectual disabilities through local partners, Lions Clubs International and the Golisano Foundation."
Special Olympics Kenya team heads to 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy
During the Special Olympics Kenya National Games on 1 September, the winning team in men’s floorball from Nairobi was selected to compete in the upcoming World Games in Turin. These eight athletes will leave for host town next March, where the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, will welcome over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries competing in 8 disciplines in the name of sport, friendship and inclusion.