Inclusion Beyond Sports is changing how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are seen and integrated into society. This project is led by a unified pair from Special Olympics Bharat (India), Yashika Bhatt and Mahi Dheri. A unified pair consists of a youth leader with ID and without ID. Yashika and Mahi share a passion for inclusion and their project, Inclusion Beyond Sports, aims to extend the principles of inclusivity beyond the sports field and into areas such as dance, art, and leadership development.
The project set out with three clear objectives: increase participation of Youth Leaders with and without ID, create opportunities for inclusive activities outside of sports, and recognize the talents of athletes beyond their athletic achievements.
“We wanted to get more Youth Leaders on board with our movement, expand activities that go beyond sports, and identify athletes who are passionate about other areas,” said Mahi.
The driving force behind this initiative? A desire to change the perception of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"Even though we bring home medals from national and international competitions, we [people with ID] are still not fully accepted by society. Mainstream students often don’t understand us, and when we are outside, people tell our parents we can’t do anything. That mentality needs to change."
This inspired Yashika and Mahi to focus on education. By targeting both mainstream and special schools, the team hopes to foster understanding from a young age.
"We realized that getting into the education sector was crucial," explained Mahi. "When we visit mainstream schools, we see that students, even those in 11th and 12th grade, still hold myths and assumptions about intellectual disabilities. This holds them back from interacting and including their peers with ID."
To bridge this gap, Unified Clubs were set up in schools. These clubs allow students with and without ID to collaborate on activities, with the support of trained teachers and volunteers.
Volunteers were also trained to help with athlete development, ensuring that these initiatives could continue sustainably.
"We didn’t just want to activate schools and leave. Our goal was to establish Unified Clubs that could sustain engagements throughout the year and create a legacy of inclusion."
The project’s leadership training sessions equipped students with the skills needed to carry on the work, encouraging them to take on leadership roles within their clubs. Beyond inclusive activities, the project also empowered athletes through leadership training.
"The training gave them confidence, emotional intelligence, and skills like how to speak in job interviews," said Yashika. “These experiences helped athletes not only become more independent but also encourage others in their community. I have learned to be confident, independent, and how to interact with different people. Thanks to Special Olympics, I’ve gained leadership skills, learned to use new technologies, and had the opportunity to encourage other athletes."
Inclusion Beyond Sports is not just about making space for athletes with ID in sports—it’s about reshaping the way society views them.
"We want to instill a shift in mindset, to be more open and accepting toward people with ID, free from stereotypes and assumptions," said Mahi.
This project is a powerful reminder that inclusion goes beyond the field—it touches every aspect of life, creating lasting change for future generations.
