Special Olympics and UNICEF have shared a strong global partnership since 2011 to integrate children with disabilities into development strategies and programming, and to provide sustained social integration for a population often on the margins of societies worldwide.
A History of Support
Through innovative programs and national partnerships, Special Olympics and UNICEF are working closely in over 35 nations to highlight the abilities and contributions that children and youth with intellectual disabilities make to their communities and countries. Special Olympics Programs worldwide have benefitted greatly from UNICEF support- through UNICEF Country Offices and National Committees alike. From Jamaica to Kazakhstan, and from Armenia to Brazil and beyond- UNICEF has been a pivotal partner in advancing key programs in support of Special Olympics athletes. Strategic initiatives such as Unified Sports, Healthy Athletes/Healthy Communities, Family Health Forums, Athlete Leadership and much more have witnessed significant growth throughout the developing world due to UNICEF’s leadership in achieving equity for the world’s most vulnerable populations.