The following is an excerpt from Inside the Games’ article, “Special Olympics shapes football strategy” which discusses the power of sport and the impact inclusive sport has on football across the world.
Jeff Lahart, who is in charge of global football development at Special Olympics, presented how football is transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. "That's more than 1,300 competitions a month, over 300 a week, and just over 40 each day. Each of those competitions is an opportunity for a person with intellectual disability to train and compete regularly and participate in football like anyone else on the planet."
The entity offers a wide range of competitions, from grassroots tournaments to international events such as the Unified Football World Cup. "The competitions we provide vary and are diverse, from a tournament organised by a grassroots club to our flagship event, the Unified Football World Cup, and everything in between," said Lahart.
He shared the story of Bradley Stuart, a Special Olympics Great Britain footballer who experienced bullying and isolation in his youth. Through the entity, Stuart has gained confidence, made new friends, and scored remarkable goals. "Bradley's story is just one among millions, but it's a fantastic representation of why Special Olympics is a leading organisation in sport for development," Lahart explained.
Bradley plays in the Unified Football programme, where people with and without intellectual disabilities are teammates. "They train and compete, and that creates more inclusive communities," noted Lahart. "Not only has Bradley's physical health improved, but his regular participation has significantly enhanced his mental health. And all that is thanks to football." Bradley has also become a role model who helps raise awareness about inclusion within his community.
