Maminiaina Elia and Tsitoaina are youth leaders from Special Olympics Madagascar who saw a need for greater inclusion and access to quality education for young children with intellectual disabilities in their communities. Their project, “Strengthen the Younger Generation,” focused on children ages 2–7 and aimed to create inclusive spaces where young athletes could learn, play, and develop with the support they need to thrive.
The greatest inspiration came from the young athletes themselves. As they tackled every tunnel, balance beam, and activity, they demonstrated just how much inclusive opportunities can support confidence, connection, and development.

The youth leaders shared that the project would not have been possible without the support of the Youth Innovation Initiative and Special Olympics Madagascar. Through mentorship, training, and funding, they gained the confidence and resources to design and pilot their program.

They also expressed their gratitude to their families and community leaders for opening both their doors and their hearts, helping transform school halls into safe and welcoming spaces for play and inclusion.
The project was implemented through several phases, beginning with assessment and planning to identify community needs, key stakeholders, and clear project goals.

Maminiaina Elia and Tsitoaina then worked with the Lead Health Programmer of Special Olympics Madagascar to develop an inclusive program curriculum. Together, they created activities and training modules for educators and parents using Special Olympics resources.

Teachers, coaches, and parents were trained to lead activities for young athletes. The youth leaders then launched a pilot program with weekend sessions, giving participants the opportunity to put the training into practice and helping teachers and parents build confidence in facilitating inclusive activities.

The project concluded with a sports festival that brought together regular and specialized schools for Young Athletes sports activities, creating an opportunity for children with and without intellectual disabilities to play and celebrate together.
The project trained 15 specialized educators to lead inclusive, play-based activities and engaged 30 parents through workshops. It also contributed to the creation of five new Unified Schools, bringing schools together to share experiences and strengthen their approaches to inclusion.

On the youth leadership side, 52 leaders with and without intellectual disabilities co-facilitated sessions and supported more than 25 young athletes.

The project culminated in a sports festival that welcomed more than 200 spectators, including families, neighbors, and local officials. The event provided an opportunity for the wider community to experience inclusive sport firsthand and celebrate the achievements of the young athletes.

Through the project, Maminiaina Elia and Tsitoaina hoped to foster inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities, support their development through inclusive activities, and raise community awareness to help reduce stigma. The project demonstrated how sport can create opportunities for connection, break down barriers, and bring communities together.
Maminiaina Elia and Tsitoaina's “Strengthen the Younger Generation” project brought their vision for greater inclusion to life. From the beginning, their goal was to create spaces where young children with intellectual disabilities could play, learn, and feel a sense of belonging.

One of their greatest accomplishments came at the indoor sports festival, which brought nearly 200 people together. The strong turnout reflected growing community engagement and demonstrated the impact that local opportunities for inclusion can have.

Through the project, the youth leaders also strengthened their own leadership skills, coordinating everything from curriculum development to weekend session schedules. They learned the importance of co-leadership, knowing when to take the lead and when to create space for others to lead.

Looking ahead, Maminiaina Elia and Tsitoaina plan to keep the momentum going by continuing to share the project's story, hosting additional Young Athletes sessions, and creating a club at their local university.