Latin America

Youth from various schools in Panama, participants of the TalenPro Project, created by renowned singer-songwriter and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Erika Ender, took part in fun afternoon of Unified Sports with athletes from Special Olympics Panama.

Since 2013, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Special Olympics Health have collaborated to ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are included in all aspects of humanitarian action.

Special Olympics Young Athletes gives children, with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 the opportunity to benefit from physical moment. Currently, more than 440,000 children and their families enjoy sport and play together while building community.

Around the world, Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities are leading community-based projects for inclusion. Paola and Maria, two Special Olympics youth leaders from El Salvador, share their experiences working together to create change.

On July 20, 2018, Special Olympics kicked off the “The Revolution Is Inclusion,” a five-year campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization, inspire action and shine a spotlight on the positive outcomes that are seen when people with and without intellectual disabilities are able to work, play and lead in life together.

ESPN honored one school in Mexico City for their commitment to high standards of inclusion through the Unified Champion School model.

On Monday, June 10th, Special Olympics International, in partnership with the United Nations Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations will host a panel discussion at the United Nations in conjunction with the 12th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

With over 6-million Special Olympics athletes around the globe, it is easy to find examples of true excellence, dedication, perseverance and motivation.

Special Olympics is proud to recognize the impact of Leos & the Lions Club International Foundation in leading their communities through projects of social inclusion.