Natalia and Coyou are Youth Leaders from Special Olympics Jamaica who participated in the Unified Youth Exchange with Special Olympics Washington, DC. Through the Exchange, Youth Leaders worked collaboratively to identify challenges related to inclusion in their communities and develop projects to address them.

Natalia and Coyou set out to organize family sports and fun days at two local schools in Jamaica, creating opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to connect through shared activities. Through these events, they hoped to raise awareness of the Special Olympics movement and help build more inclusive school communities.
Natalia and Coyou found their greatest inspiration in the participants of the family sports days. They were especially moved by the joy, enthusiasm, and determination demonstrated by participants with IDD throughout the events.

Their parents and friends also provided encouragement and motivation, while the support of the event team and community members reinforced their belief that working together can create meaningful change.
Natalia and Coyou organized family sports and fun days that brought students, families, and community members together through inclusive activities. The events provided opportunities for people with and without IDD to interact, build connections, and learn about the importance of inclusion.

Through these shared experiences, the Youth Leaders helped raise awareness of Special Olympics and encouraged community members to recognize the importance of equality, understanding, and belonging.
The project created opportunities for meaningful conversations about inclusion and helped foster greater empathy and understanding throughout the community. By bringing families and students together, Natalia and Coyou demonstrated how inclusive activities can challenge misconceptions, encourage advocacy, and promote equality and accessibility.

Looking ahead, they plan to continue supporting organizations that work with people with IDD, raising awareness through workshops and discussions, and encouraging their peers to advocate for inclusive practices in schools and communities.
One of Natalia and Coyou's favorite memories was seeing parents of students with IDD actively participate in the events. Witnessing greater understanding among families reinforced why inclusion matters and the difference their project could make.

Throughout the experience, the Youth Leaders also strengthened their communication and teamwork skills. By collaborating with diverse groups of people, they learned to exchange ideas effectively and work together toward a shared goal of creating more inclusive communities.