https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leadership Youth Leadership Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:22:08 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/we-have-a-chance-too Building a more unified society through Unified Sports, youth leaders Eunkyo and Yeon Woo brought together university students, athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and community members through volleyball, creating opportunities to connect, compete, and foster inclusion. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:22:08 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/we-have-a-chance-too https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/unified-sports-to-create-a-better-future Youth leader Yuhang and Jiarui’s project promoted friendship, teamwork, and understanding through inclusive sports activities. With track and field competitions, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach, their project strengthened a culture of inclusion in not only their initial regional focus, the Wang Cheng District of Changsha, but also in neighboring regions. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:10:08 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/unified-sports-to-create-a-better-future https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/inclusive-leadership-project Jacob's 'Inclusive Leadership Project' equipped youth leaders across South Africa with project management, advocacy, and leadership skills, empowering them to design and lead initiatives within their own communities. As a result, youth leaders successfully organized provincial Youth Day events, expanded Unified Sports opportunities, raised awareness, and created more inclusive opportunities for youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:42:51 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/inclusive-leadership-project https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/starlight-inclusive-dance-club Starlight Inclusive Dance Club created meaningful opportunities for inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through a shared passion for dance. Youth leaders Zihan and Bofan coordinated regular dance classes and a final dance performance, where audience members saw the beauty of inclusive movement and donated to charities that support individuals with IDD. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:16:22 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/starlight-inclusive-dance-club https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/champions-in-action The Champions in Action project in Venezuela worked to expand inclusive education and sports opportunities for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through school partnerships, awareness workshops, Unified Sports activities, and community collaboration, youth leaders Miguel and Mariclara helped create more inclusive environments where students could build friendships, participate together, and promote acceptance. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:40:11 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/champions-in-action https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/red-green-white-its-alright Klara, a youth leader from the Czech Republic, spread awareness about Special Olympics in her community through an inclusive bocce ball tournament. Visiting schools and universities, Klara gave presentations on Special Olympics and disability inclusion, incorporating bocce games to foster a sense of community and engagement. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:07:06 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/red-green-white-its-alright https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/the-power-of-storytelling The Siblings Innovation Camp brought together Special Olympics Zimbabwe athletes and their siblings for an overnight experience centered on storytelling, family connection, and inclusion. Through activities such as interviews, photography, videography, family discussions, and Unified Sports, participants strengthened sibling relationships, shared their experiences, and built a lasting network of support.  Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:41:21 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/the-power-of-storytelling https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/inclusion-through-sports-and-recreation The Inclusion Through Sports and Recreation project aimed to create a more inclusive, supportive, and accepting environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to participate in sports and recreational activities. Youth leader Tinotenda worked to promote individual well-being while increasing awareness and understanding of people with IDD throughout the community. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:24:20 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/inclusion-through-sports-and-recreation https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/changing-mindsets Yaya and Agahounga from Special Olympics Benin drove meaningful change in their communities by conducting awareness campaigns in schools and universities. Through outreach, education, and youth leadership, their project promoted greater understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthened efforts to create more inclusive communities. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:53:14 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/changing-mindsets https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/youth-empowerment-project-sierra-leone Joseph and Christian’s Youth Empowerment Project created an inclusive platform where young people could share their talents through creative arts, including dancing, singing, and drawing. Through this initiative, they used self-expression and creativity to bring youth together, celebrate individual strengths, and foster meaningful connections across their community. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:49:51 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/youth-leaders/innovation-projects/youth-empowerment-project-sierra-leone