Let’s Go Together and Discover Nature was an outdoor education and inclusion initiative in Alexandroupoli, Greece, where youth with and without intellectual disabilities participated in hiking, survival skills, and team-building activities. The project brought together Special Olympics athletes, scouts, and local students to learn from nature and each other.
Youth leaders Christina and Theodora were inspired by their shared love of nature and the joy of Unified Sports to design a project that would build friendships and confidence in a natural setting. They believed that fostering respect for the environment and inclusion go hand in hand in shaping future generations.
Participants explored local trails, learned first-aid skills, and practiced working as a team through cooperative games and survival scenarios. Despite local challenges, including a devastating wildfire, the group adapted and continued to meet, share, and grow together.
The project engaged 18 athletes and 35 youth without ID, expanded programming in one school, launched two new Unified Schools, and created one Unified Sports Club. It also introduced three new youth leaders and led to lasting partnerships with schools and the community.
The leaders were proud of turning their idea into reality and overcoming early nerves to lead activities confidently. They formed deep connections with participants and were inspired by the way their community came together around inclusion and the outdoors.