In a historic step towards fostering inclusion through sport in Africa, Angola has officially joined the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion at a signing ceremony held in Luanda on 26 November 2024.
Among those present were the Minister of Youth and Sports Honorable Rui Luís Falcão Pinto de Andrade, Special Olympics Africa President & Managing Director Charles Nyambe, National Director of Sport Dr. Agueda Maria Flores Gomes, and Special Olympics Angola Chairperson Mr. Jean-Jacques Nzadi Conceição. Distinguished ambassadors, government officials, and invited guests also participated in the momentous occasion.
This partnership is set to transform the educational and athletic landscape for 3,085 youth across 128 schools nationwide, including those with intellectual disabilities. Over the next three years, more than 200 teachers will receive specialized training to ensure inclusive practices are effectively implemented.
The Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is a multilateral platform that works closely with governments, private sector and global philanthropy to expand the reach and impact of inclusive education through sports around the world.
Speaking at the event, Minister Pinto de Andrade emphasized Angola's dedication to creating equitable opportunities: "Angola reaffirms its commitment to inclusive education and sports. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and recreational opportunities, and this initiative aligns with our vision for a more equitable society."
The inclusion of Angola in the Global Leadership Coalition represents a significant milestone for Africa. Other nations such as Ghana, Kenya, Seychelles, and South Africa have already joined the Coalition, underscoring the continent's collective efforts to foster integration through sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"This ratification is a monumental step for the continent. It highlights Angola's leadership in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into society. We are proud to partner with Angola in advancing this critical mission."
Launched in June 2023 during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, the Global Coalition has rapidly expanded, encouraging governments to invest in inclusive educational programs.
The Coalition, funded by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), also includes key global and civic stakeholders including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Lions Clubs International Foundation, Fondation Botnar and textile brand H&M.
By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the Coalition aims to increase opportunities for over 2 million young people in more than 150,000 schools and extend Special Olympics programming to 180 countries.
The Coalition’s members span a diverse geographic footprint, including Angola, China, Egypt, Ghana, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Malta, Mongolia, Montenegro, Panama, Paraguay, Seychelles, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates.
For more information on the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion and its ongoing initiatives, visit the official Special Olympics website.
