The project, Empowering Women with ID Through Sport, was designed to provide meaningful opportunities for girls and women with ID in Bharat. Youth leaders Anita and Raja used football as a platform to encourage participation, build confidence, and create a welcoming environment where participants could connect with others. Through sports training and supportive activities, the project promoted greater inclusion and helped participants feel more confident both on and off the field.
For youth leaders Anita and Raja, the project was driven by friendship and a shared commitment to creating change. As Unified Partners, Anita and Raja were both inspired by each other’s determination to spread inclusion and advocate for empowering individuals with IDD through Special Olympics programs. They came together to put their vision into action through this project.

One of Anita’s greatest sources of motivation was Raja’s personal growth. When they first began, he was often hesitant to speak in group settings. But over time, he became a leading voice in activities and discussions. For Raja, his family continued to be a source of support. During conversations, he would share his ideas for future activities, in which his family gave him feedback.
Anita and Raja worked closely with schools located near the sports centers and conducted consistent outreach to educators and administrators. Over nine months, ten schools became active participants in their program. Girls with IDD, along with their caregivers, teachers, and peers, were introduced to Special Olympics and its mission. Football served as the primary sport that engaged participants in strengthening their fitness skills and confidence.

The youth leaders delivered a series of themed sessions that covered basic football skills, personal self-care, self-defense, menstrual health and hygiene, and leadership development. These sessions were designed to be practical and interactive, where participants were able to collaborate with peers.
Empowering Women with ID Through Sport successfully achieved its objective of empowering girls with IDD. As the project progressed, many participants demonstrated increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a greater willingness to participate in group activities.

Moreover, families and caregivers who were once unfamiliar with Special Olympics became more aware of the experiences available. The project also saw strong interest from girls without IDD, creating meaningful spaces for Unified participation. Through shared activities, participants made new friends and strengthened their understanding of inclusion.

Additionally, the Special Olympics Bharat Sports Center saw an increase in enrollment after the project’s launch. The growing number of participants reflected increasing community involvement and support for inclusive sports programs. The strong interest from the community and schools suggests that the project’s impact will last beyond the grant period.
Anita and Raja’s favorite moments were seeing the participants actively engage and enjoy each session. During football training, Bocce games, and Simon Says, the bright smiles of everyone reinforced the importance of welcoming spaces. They are most proud of the confidence gained by the participants as well as the wide reach their project had across multiple school districts. The youth leaders hope to continue increasing awareness and sharing the joy of Unified Sports, inspiring more people to join Special Olympics.