A school-based health initiative promoting nutrition, fitness, and chronic disease prevention among youth with and without intellectual disabilities through screenings, workshops, and fitness challenges.
About the Project
SANUFIT is a health-focused initiative in Senegal that promotes fitness, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention among Special Olympics athletes and their school communities through workshops, training, and school-based wellness activities.
The Inspiration
After observing a rise in obesity, diabetes, and hypertension following COVID-19 lockdowns, youth leaders Soda Marieme Ndiaye and Khady Guèye launched SANUFIT to promote healthier habits and educate others on nutrition and fitness.
The Project
The team partnered with three schools to host awareness sessions, BMI and health screenings, and fitness challenges, distributing t-shirts, snacks, and banners to support engagement while adapting activities to each school’s schedule and needs.
Project Impact
SANUFIT engaged 158 people total—22 athletes and 136 individuals without ID—trained 10 new youth leaders, reached over 14,000 impressions online, and established a new Unified Sports Club, all while fostering lasting inclusion through school-based programming.
Project Leader Reflection
Khady and Soda are proudest of how enthusiastically the school communities participated, noting that clear communication about intellectual disability led to greater understanding, commitment, and plans to continue SANUFIT activities annually.
