This year, the theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
Utilizing the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to impact, expand, and generate inclusive societies for people with intellectual disabilities around the world. Sport is used as a catalyst for change because it directly impacts areas such as health, social well-being, and overall quality of life.
Advancing sport opportunities for Special Olympics athletes is one of the best ways to advance social progress for people with intellectual disabilities and the community around them.
Programs like Special Olympics Unified sports that bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete as teammates, allows both the athletes and Unified partners to learn from one another, develop individually and as a team, and carry those lessons and friendships away from the field long after competition has concluded.
A powerful example is the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup from 5-7 December in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over three days, 185 Special Olympics Basketball players will battle it out on the court in the hope of being named Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup champions. And, off the court, friendships and lifelong memories will be made and cherished long after the Cup ends by the players, coaches, volunteers, staff, and supporters who choose to be part of an inclusive community.
