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Youth and Schools
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Youth Innovation Project Library

Looking for inspiration? Our Youth Leaders have designed and completed over 580 projects around the world, involving everything from sports to advocacy to art. Explore the project profiles to see how young people are transforming the world to be more inclusive, one community at a time.

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There are 740 results that match your search. 740 results
Two youth leaders with microphones standing in front of a stage
Youth Innovation Projects

Unified Schools

Lauramaria & Veronika from Special Olympics Dominican Republic developed and delivered a leadership and awareness program that introduced students to the Unified Schools program while promoting inclusion, teamwork, and youth leadership. Through interactive presentations and advocacy activities, they encouraged students to become volunteers and leaders who help create more welcoming school communities, inspiring more young people to take an active role in building a culture of inclusion.
A group picture with adults lined in purple shirts standing and younger students/athletes sitting down. The picture is taken in a basketball court with a grey wall backdrop behind them
Youth Innovation Projects

Growing Awareness and Raising Inclusion

Through Mark and Denis’s project, youth leaders with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) led events, workshops, and sports activities for local preschool and elementary school students. Their initiative empowered participants to lead, playing and teaching sports to younger participants, all while emphasizing inclusion.
Photo of participants in green vests sitting in classroom-style chairs
Youth Innovation Projects

Unified Education Project

Ceclilia and Alexander led the ‘Unified Education Project’ to expand awareness and understanding of inclusion throughout their community in Guatemala. Through Unified Education Trainings, health activations, and awareness activities, they engaged schools, community organizations, Health Messengers, athlete leaders, and inclusion ambassadors to promote the values of the Special Olympics movement.
Youth Innovation Projects

Establishing Unified Leadership Clubs Across the Unified Champion Schools in Islamabad

Youth leaders, Musa and Talha, from Special Olympics Pakistan led a project that established three Unified Leadership Clubs across six Unified Champion Schools in Islamabad. The initiative brought together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to develop leadership skills, lead inclusive school activities, and strengthen partnerships between mainstream and special schools. Through youth leadership training, educator support, and the creation of accessible resources, the project established a sustainable model for inclusive leadership that continues to grow across Special Olympics Pakistan's Unified Champion Schools network.
Large group of approximately 30 people gathered in a classroom or meeting room, posing for a group photo around a long table covered with a blue tablecloth. Some individuals are seated in the front row while others stand behind them. The room has white walls, recessed ceiling lights, and two doors on either side. A banner on the wall includes the words “Misión” and “Visión” in Spanish.
Youth Innovation Projects

Inspiring Brothers: Voices of Inclusion

“Inspiring Brothers: Voices of Inclusion” is a youth-led project by Pablo and Andrik that promotes inclusion for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through interactive talks and activities, the project introduced Unified Schools and encouraged young people to build more inclusive schools, communities, and workplaces through empathy, teamwork, and shared learning.
A line of trainees in matching white shirts, dark aprons, and black caps stand side by side inside a brightly lit restaurant or café. They are positioned along a wooden floor near a service counter, with tools or cleaning supplies attached to their waists. Large windows line the left side, and the interior features warm lighting, hanging fixtures, and decorative greenery in the background.
Youth Innovation Projects

Inclusive Employment for Youth with IDD

Wang and Yu led an inclusive employment project in China supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through vocational training and job placement. In partnership with universities and schools, they built training programs, conducted inclusion outreach, and connected participants to local employers. The project helped participants develop skills, secure jobs in the general workforce, and established a youth platform to sustain future inclusion efforts.
Youth Innovation Projects

Attack of the Athletes: Becoming a Basketball Coach for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Youth leader Wenli created a basketball team for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through their practice sessions, Wenli encouraged his teammates to become more confident, providing an inclusive community where sports and friendship intersected.
Youth Innovation Projects

Sports as a Vehicle for Inclusion

Sports as a Vehicle for Inclusion is a project based in Limassol, Cyprus, that used inclusive sports activities to educate youth, students, and families about the importance of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Led by youth brothers Petros and Daniel, the project brought the community together through fun, accessible sports while promoting equal participation and understanding.
Youth Innovation Projects

Increasing Special Olympics Kenya Reach in Nandi County

Youth leaders Nicholas and Collins increased the presence of Special Olympics Kenya in Nandi County by equipping local youth with and without IDD to engage in both Unified Sports and youth leadership trainings. By involving schools and the general community, they raised awareness for the necessity of inclusion and empowered athletes and partners to take initiative as leaders.
Youth Innovation Projects

The Unified Futsal Club

Youth Leaders Young Soo and Junki held a futsal and water leisure sports program for youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). By connecting colleges and local welfare centers, students and athletes came together to enjoy new sports and refine their sports skills.
Youth Innovation Projects

Eastern Star Adaptive Skating Program

The Eastern Star Adaptive Skating Program was created to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) access to inclusive ice-skating opportunities. Led by youth leader Zihan, the project engaged 18 participants with IDD and 42 volunteers who provided support, coaching, and developed custom adaptive equipment. Through skating sessions, community outreach, and a documentary partnership with a local television station, the program promoted inclusion in the Beijing community.
Youth Innovation Projects

The SOG Inclusion Forum

Youth Leaders Godspower I and Isatou led an initiative to increase awareness and understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at the University of The Gambia. Through the implementation of Unified Sports, they created opportunities for meaningful interaction between university students and Special Olympics Gambia athletes.
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