[Geneva, Switzerland – 10 September 2025] Special Olympics and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have signed a new global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to empower refugees of all abilities through the transformative power of sport.
Building on years of collaboration in refugee camps, reception centers and communities across the world, this agreement strengthens the ability for both organizations to drive inclusive development for refugees and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this renewed partnership, Special Olympics and UNHCR pledge to create pathways for refugee youth of all abilities to access sports, health, and education services, ensuring that inclusion extends beyond the playing field, bolstering the Special Olympics ‘Unified with Refugees’ initiative as well as the Sport for Refugees Coalition led by the UN Refugee Agency.
“This partnership is about hope, belonging, and connection,” said David Evangelista, President & Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, and incoming Special Olympics International (SOI) CEO.
“Refugees and people with intellectual disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations worldwide, facing increased risks of exclusion, discrimination, and neglect. For far too many refugees, and especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, sport and community engagement remain out of reach, and this partnership commits to bridging the gap so that all can benefit from development through sports programming. Together with UNHCR, we are scaling opportunities for young people to discover their talents, connect with their communities, highlight their skills and abilities, and build resilience for the future. This MoU is a promise to refugees and to people with intellectual disabilities, and a call to action to the global community to further invest, engage, and underscore the urgency of inclusion where it is needed most.”
Since its launch in 2016, Unified with Refugees has positively impacted over 10,000 refugees and people with intellectual disabilities. This initiative has been instrumental in providing crucial social integration opportunities through sports to refugees and people with intellectual disabilities in their host communities worldwide, with the support of UNHCR, Lions Clubs International Foundation, ESPN and a host of local and national stakeholders.
With active collaborations already in 13 countries across three regions across the world, Unified with Refugees will expand further under coordinated leadership from both organizations and will include annual reviews to track progress and impact.
Gerald Mballe, now global coordinator for the Special Olympics Unified with Refugees program, was introduced to the Special Olympics movement in 2015 in Turin, Italy, as a legally resettled refugee. His trajectory since has been an inspiration fueled by hard work and a passion for equality.
“As someone who has experienced displacement firsthand, I know the isolation and uncertainty that refugees face every day. Sport and Special Olympics empowered me and gave me a sense of purpose. Through Unified with Refugees, we are creating safe spaces where young people, refugees and those with intellectual disabilities alike, can feel valued and included. This partnership with UNHCR is a lifeline for thousands who are searching for belonging.”
UNHCR Director of External Relations Dominique Isabelle Hyde added: "UNHCR is proud to deepen its partnership with Special Olympics, united by a shared commitment to inclusion and dignity. Together, we work to ensure that all forcibly displaced people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have the opportunity not just to recover, but to thrive."
"Inclusive sport is a powerful force for protection, education, healing, and empowerment. It builds confidence, fosters belonging, and opens doors to possibility. By expanding the Unified with Refugees initiative, we are helping to build bridges across communities, unlock human potential, and create spaces where every individual is seen, valued, and supported."
The signing of the MoU signals a deepened commitment to using sport as a pathway to education, health services, and social protection. For both organizations, the partnership is about safeguarding dignity and advancing a vision of inclusion for all.