Trinidad and Tobago has taken a historic step towards enhancing inclusivity by joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
This landmark agreement was signed during the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Caribbean Unified Beach Games, held in the capital city of Port of Spain, on 8 November.
With this signing, Trinidad and Tobago becomes the second Caribbean nation, following Jamaica, to join the Coalition’s mission of promoting inclusive practices in education and sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
The event had several notable figures attending, including Lorna Bell, Special Olympics Executive Director for Caribbean Initiatives; Shawn Ferguson, Chief Global Government Relations Officer of Special Olympics International; and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sport and Community Development The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe MP.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Trinidad and Tobago has pledged to create accessible, inclusive learning environments across its educational system. This will involve providing specialized training to teachers and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. The Ministry of Sport and Community Development will also encourage active participation from students and teachers in Special Olympics events and other inclusive activities, aiming to transform schools into spaces where diversity is celebrated.
“We’re deeply honoured to welcome Trinidad and Tobago into this groundbreaking Coalition. By joining, the country is sending a powerful message: that inclusive education and sport should be a global priority.”
“This commitment represents a new era for people with intellectual disabilities in the region, opening doors to real opportunities that celebrate their potential. It’s encouraging to see Trinidad and Tobago step up to create environments where all young people, regardless of their abilities, feel valued and included.
“We want to thank the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sport and Community Development The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe MP, and all partners for their unwavering support.”
The Global Coalition for Inclusion was established in 2023 with the generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It represents a unique, collaborative approach involving governments, United Nations agencies, corporate and philanthropic leaders, and development agencies – all united under a shared mission to make inclusive education and sports opportunities available worldwide.
Shawn Ferguson added: “The inclusion of Trinidad and Tobago underscores a critical step forward in the Caribbean region. Together, we are laying the groundwork for global systems that recognize, support, and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Through partnerships like these, we can create a future where inclusion is not just an idea but a lived reality.”
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.
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.
