As part of a long-standing commitment to social inclusion, Gibraltar officially ratified its membership in the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion during a signing ceremony on 10 January. This milestone marks a transformative step towards enhancing inclusive education and sports programming in all schools, community centres and sports clubs across the territory between 2025 and 2027.
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.
As one of the inaugural members of the Coalition, Gibraltar’s government is poised to implement a comprehensive strategy to make inclusive sports an integral part of every student’s academic experience. This effort will involve collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Equality, Special Olympics Gibraltar and the larger community.
Key elements include the introduction of Special Olympics Unified Sports® programs, which bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates, fostering whole school engagement, and providing inclusive training to teachers, sports leaders, physical educators and community centre staff.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “Inclusion is more than an ideal—it is a cornerstone of the values that shape our community.”
“Through our partnership with Special Olympics, we are sending a resounding message: Gibraltar is steadfast in its dedication to creating a society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is empowered to succeed, reach their full potential, and be recognized as an integral part of our shared future.”
The partnership has included support for athlete development, coach training, family support networks, and participation in international competitions.
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President & Managing Director David Evangelista said: “Unified Sports is a strong example of how inclusion can transcend barriers and unite people.”
“Gibraltar’s decision to join the Global Coalition for Inclusion sends a powerful and encouraging message to nations and territories worldwide about the transformative power of sport and the role that individuals with intellectual disabilities play in enriching communities, neighborhoods and nations.”
“Our goal is to ensure that this initiative not only makes a meaningful impact today but also offers a lasting legacy, engaging more youth across Gibraltar, serving as a foundation for inclusive communities for generations to come.”
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.
