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United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)

A group of about ten people seated around a conference table during an official meeting in a boardroom. Several participants are speaking and listening, with microphones, notebooks, and documents placed on the table. Two red balls with the Special Olympics logo sit at the center. A national flag of Niger stands upright behind the group, and framed artwork is visible on the walls.
Community Impact

Sport at the Heart of Social Inclusion and Education: Niger Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion

Ministry of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity commits to boosting inclusive sport and education in Niger
2 Min Read
Officials exchange signed documents and shake hands during a Special Olympics partnership signing event in Sierra Leone, with branded backdrop visible.
Community Impact

Inclusive Sports for Every Student: Sierra Leone Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion

Ministry of Youth Affairs commits to advance inclusive sport and education in Sierra Leone
3 Min Read
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Europe Eurasia Stories

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Expands Through Grant From Olympic Refuge Foundation

Funding will enable World Refugee Day 2026 activities in Slovakia, Spain and Uganda, strengthening inclusion through sport for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities
2 Min Read
The First Lady of The Gambia stands in the center holding a red Special Olympics ball with Special Olympics representatives.
Community Impact

A National Promise of Belonging: The Gambia Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion

Ministry of Youth and Sports formalizes agreement to advance inclusive sport and education
2 Min Read
The First Lady of The Gambia stands in the center holding a red Special Olympics ball with Special Olympics representatives.
Community Impact

A National Promise of Belonging: The Gambia Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion

Ministry of Youth and Sports formalizes agreement to advance inclusive sport and education
2 Min Read
A man and a woman in formal attire shake hands and smile at the camera, with two men standing behind them also smiling.
Press Releases

Special Olympics and UNHCR Sign Global Agreement to Champion Inclusion for Refugees of All Abilities

[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.
3 Min Read
A young girl faces the camera holding a medal and a small bunch of flowers.
Athletes

World Refugee Day 2025: Polina Finds Meaning Through Sport in Romania

13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!
2 Min Read
A female basketball player attempts a shot, while another player tries to block her, and a third player watches from the background.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees initiative brings hope in Madrid

Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Senior Advisor Gerald Mballe travelled to Madrid, Spain, to visit a refugee reception center and a local school, and foster connections between refugees, people with intellectual disabilities and their host communities.
2 Min Read
Group of people standing side by side.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Romania Embraces Inclusive Support for Ukrainian Refugees through Unified with Refugees Initiative

Representatives of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, SO Romania, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency held a collaborative meeting in Bucharest to explore ways to amplify support for refugees.
3 Min Read
Man in athletic glasses smiling.
Europe Eurasia Stories

Special Olympics España Spearheads ‘Unified with Refugees’ initiative in Europe Eurasia

Inclusivity takes center stage as football players from Special Olympics Andalucia participate in an exhibition match with refugees from the Seville Refugee Reception Center.
2 Min Read