Special Olympics, in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), is set to provide comprehensive content services for all delegations from across the globe at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 from 6 – 11 July.
This initiative will support all 23 participating delegations, ensuring every team's journey is documented by a dedicated team of photographers, videographers and writers. They include Ahmad Albakri, Christel Saneh, Iñaki Esnaola, Karini Viranna, Kevin Domas and Pablo Dondero, each bringing years of expertise in sports and event coverage.
All photos, videos and written features will be made available royalty-free to all Special Olympics entities, media outlets, partners and relevant stakeholders for further promotion of the event.
They will include high-quality images and footage of participating footballers.
Photographers will also document non-sport events, such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Healthy Athletes, Young Athletes activities, and the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), among others.
This service aims to highlight the holistic nature of the Unified Football World Cup, celebrating not just athletic achievements but also the inclusive spirit of Special Olympics.
“Every player has a story worth telling. Through this content service, we are ensuring that footballers, coaches, and Unified partners from around the world have the opportunity to share their experiences, and inspire others through the power of Unified Sports.”
“We are deeply grateful to Lions Clubs International Foundation for making this possible. Their support will help us capture and share the moments and emotions that make the Unified Football World Cup such a powerful event.”
Lions Clubs International Foundation Chairperson Fabrício Oliveira added, “Every photograph, every video, every story has the potential to inspire. We are proud to support this content service, which will capture the excitement of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, as well as the talents of the players from all across the world.”
The Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 will take place 6 – 11 July.
The Women’s competition will feature 12 teams of 11 players -six footballers and five Unified partners. Matches are played in a fast-paced 7-a-side format, with four footballers and three Unified partners on the pitch at any given time. In the Men’s competition, each of the 12 squads consist of 16 players -nine footballers and seven Unified partners. Matches are played 11-a-side, with six footballers and five Unified partners on the field throughout.
Unified Sports brings together footballers with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. They train together, compete, and show up for one another through all the goals and yellow cards.
CONTENT TEAM
AHMAD ALBAKRI (videographer)
"Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create understanding. At the Unified Football World Cup, I hope to capture the action on the pitch as well as the friendships and emotions that make this event so special. My goal is to create stories that leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world."
CHRISTEL SANEH (photographer)
"As both an athlete and a photographer, I understand how much dedication goes into every competition. I am looking forward to documenting the energy of the footballers, while showcasing the spirit that makes Special Olympics unique."
IÑAKI ESNAOLA (photographer)
"It is always a joy to work at Special Olympics events. My goal this time is to create powerful images that capture the emotions, that define these footballers and event."
"I look forward to documenting moments that demonstrate the impact of sport in bringing people together."
KARINI VIRANNA (writer)
South African writer and producer based in Berlin, Germany. Karini has covered multiple Special Olympics events, having written and produced creative work for a range of international sports agencies and brands, as well as literary publications, including DADDY Magazine, currently acting as its Head of Production.
"Storytelling has the power to change perceptions. Special Olympics always reminds me of the determination and camaraderie that extends far beyond sport, while keeping us on the edge of our seats. I'm excited to meet footballers, coaches, and families from around the world and share their journeys, revealing how our differences can indeed bring us closer together."
KEVIN DOMAS (photographer)
"I always try to capture emotions and reality within my pictures, and I am sure that the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup will be the perfect opportunity to document authentic moments of competition and friendship that reflect the true inclusive spirit of the event."
PABLO DONDERO (photographer)
"It is a privilege to be part of the team covering such an important event. What excites me most is the opportunity to tell stories through images and to highlight the values that define Special Olympics."
"With my Sony mirrorless equipment and documentary photography background, my focus will be on capturing authentic moments that combine emotion and action."
