Special Olympics

At Special Olympics Asia Pacific we are always grateful for the amazing coaches, teachers, and mentors who work collaboratively with us to create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. In the Asia Pacific region, about 54 million people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are often overlooked and underserved. Thanks to the commitment of our passionate coaches, mentors and teachers - some of which are featured here - people with ID have the opportunity to be seen, valued, and showcase their talents. Read on to learn more about these Special Olympics everyday heroes here! https://lnkd.in/gq-dJ7tR #SpecialOlympics #ChooseToInclude #LeaveNoOneBehind #Inclusion?#IntellectualDisability?#UnbeatableTogether?#Change?#InclusionRevolution?#Empowerment

Special Olympics was present today at the adoption of the Solfagnano Charter at the #G7 Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability. Our CEO Mary Davis witnessed the signing alongside US delegates US Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy at the US Department of Labor Taryn Mackenzie Williams, Senior Global Inclusion Advisor of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems Virginia Atkinson, and Co-founder and Executive Director of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability Professor Michael Stein. The Solfagnano Charter represents a series of commitments to strengthen inclusion across diverse areas, calling on G7 nations to: ?? Embrace sport as a catalyst for inclusion. ?? Take concrete actions to support inclusive education and employment opportunities. ?? Permanently include the topic of "inclusion and disability" in future G7 agendas. In particular, we applaud the emphasis on the implementation of international legal standards supporting the rights of persons with disabilities, especially the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us”, which responds to demands that the disability community is actively engaged in policymaking to ensure their full participation in civil, social and political life. We must work together to ensure that disability rights remain a priority in global policymaking, and this charter is a watershed moment in the pathway towards a more inclusive future. #G7Italy #ChooseToInclude #G7DisabilityInclusion

I was honored to deliver remarks at the sports panel during the #G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability yesterday. I touched on the unique power of sport to unite and empower young people of all abilities, and urged the G7 nations to come together to finance inclusive programming in schools and communities globally, while strengthening diplomatic support for Unified Sports in countries around the world. #ChooseToInclude

?? What an incredible week at the Special Olympics Latin America Games! Paraguay has truly showcased its leadership in the field of inclusion, hosting over 1,000 athletes from across the hemisphere. In April 2024, Paraguay made history as the first South American nation to join Special Olympics’ Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion. This commitment to social inclusion in schools is a monumental milestone for the region. Paraguay is setting the precedent for inclusion, evidenced by the "Open Schools" program, which offers sports and cultural activities to 11,000 students in 150 schools. The program will expand to an additional 200 schools this year – a testament to Paraguay’s dedication to inclusion in education. This effort is the culmination of a shared vision for inclusion both in the classroom and on the playing field. Together, we are creating a future where every individual is valued and included. Let's continue to champion inclusion and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our athletes! Read more about the Latin American Games and Paraguay’s leadership in a joint op-ed by Regional President of Special Olympics Latin America Claudia Echeverry, Minister of Education and Culture Luis Ramírez and Minister of Sports César Ramírez in Diario última Hora Paraguay ?? https://brnw.ch/21wNKqv #InclusionRevolution #SpecialOlympics #Paraguay2024

Why do Physical Therapists love volunteering with Special Olympics FUNfitness? Volunteers share that it not only provides them with a sense of purpose but also helps them work more effectively with individuals across the spectrum of intellectual and physical ability. On Global PT Day of Service, we join our partners at American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in thanking our FUNfitness volunteers and encouraging all Physical Therapists to consider volunteering with Special Olympics. #PTDOS #InclusiveHealth https://lnkd.in/eV6hhUJ2

Our Spread the Word campaign has called on people to stop using the r-word. But the fight isn't over. More media are reporting that this harmful slur is making a comeback on social media, in mainstream entertainment, and around schools ?? https://brnw.ch/21wNGgc Let’s stand together and continue advocating and fighting to end the r-word for good. Words matter. #ChooseToInclude

Coach Mona supports the youth of the Nisqually Indian Tribe in Special Olympics Washington everyday...so we're thrilled to know the ESPN grant she received is supporting her. ?? Thank you to Coach Mona and coaches everywhere for your hard work and dedication! #ChooseToInclude

The Hubs of Excellence event in Argentina, thanks to the support of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, was a game-changer for Unified Champion Schools (UCS) in the Latin American region. Bringing together 7 programs, 14 youth leaders, 7 mentors, and 7 national directors, the event became a hub for strategy, collaboration, and shaping the future and expansion of Unified Champion Schools. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wNFWh. Special Olympics Latin America

?? Teachers, do your Bullying Prevention Month plans include learning about courageous action? Courageous action means having the bravery to do the right thing, especially in tough moments. It's a critical component of inclusive mindsets and behaviors, and it's key to creating truly inclusive schools! If this isn’t part of your curriculum yet, now's the perfect time to introduce it. ???? Check out this inspiring video of Special Olympics youth leaders Emma and Cora as they break down the power of courageous action and how to practice it. ?? #BullyingPreventionMonth #Teachers #InclusiveEducation #BullyingAwareness #UnifiedGeneration

“When you shove [emotions] away, I’ve found that they come back even harder and stronger.” Michael Phelps—one of the most accomplished athletes of all time—speaks about his mental health journey in a heartfelt interview with his wife, Nicole Phelps, Special Olympics Arizona athlete Ronny Jones, and #SpecialOlympics Chairman Timothy Shriver. This #WorldMentalHealth day, take a moment to check in with your loved ones and open up about how you’re feeling. As Michael and Nicole Phelps demonstrate, none of us are alone. ?? Catch the full candid conversation: https://brnw.ch/21wNEzZ.