Playing Together was a youth-led initiative in Madagascar that used Unified Sports to bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together through football, basketball, and Zumba activities. The project fostered awareness and acceptance within schools and sports clubs, laying the groundwork for long-term inclusion.
Youth Leaders Mahasetra Finaritra Mampionontsoa and Santatra Fanomezantsoa Rakotoniaina were inspired by their experience with Special Olympics and by the story of Tsito, a peer with Down syndrome who overcame barriers to become a leader through sport. They were driven by the desire to reduce bullying and promote empathy in schools.
The team successfully launched Unified Sports classes in three schools and hosted a Unified Sports Competition, engaging youth through inclusive play and leadership. They also conducted educational sessions for schools and sports clubs to challenge stereotypes and introduce new youth leaders.
The project engaged 17 youth leaders, 34 athletes with ID, and 34 peers without ID, and created 5 new Unified Sports clubs. With over 49,000 social media impressions and 3 new Unified Schools, the initiative broadened community understanding of intellectual disability and encouraged ongoing advocacy.
The leaders are most proud of the friendships formed and the shift in community attitudes toward people with ID. They plan to continue growing Unified Sports activities, forming partnerships, and mentoring others to lead inclusion efforts.