Special Olympics for rural Africa
The partnership between Plan International and Special Olympics brings together health education and the inspiration of the Olympic dream, with Plan’s long established experience in targeting marginalized groups and working with children and communities in rural Africa to promote long-term development.
November 1, 2007
A groundbreaking new partnership signed today will give marginalized groups throughout Africa a greater sporting chance of success in life.
Leading NGOs, Plan International and Special Olympics, are partnering to bring sport, education, and health opportunities to thousands of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities in some of the most remote parts of Africa. The agreement will mean that Plan will help to establish Special Olympics programs beyond their mainly urban centers and deep into the continents rural communities.
The partnership will initially be piloted in Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, before being extended to other countries in Africa and beyond.
Reputable partner
John Dow, Managing Director for Special Olympics Africa said, “Partnering with reputable organizations like Plan International enhances our opportunity to bring even greater services to our current and future athletes and their families throughout the region."
Success story
Through Special Olympics, Florence Nabayinda has been able to grow to a leader for the movement. Not only has she represented Uganda on the global level at Special Olympics World Games, but is now a global spokesperson for the movement and a staff employee for Special Olympics Africa. As Nabayinda says, “I felt I could do nothing in life — ridiculed as “stupid”, forced to quit school, but when I ran I was somebody, and through running and Special Olympics I found my voice.”
For further details, read the press release
Visit the Special Olympics website
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Leading NGOs, Plan International and Special Olympics, are partnering to bring sport, education, and health opportunities to thousands of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities in some of the most remote parts of Africa. The agreement will mean that Plan will help to establish Special Olympics programs beyond their mainly urban centers and deep into the continents rural communities.
The partnership will initially be piloted in Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, before being extended to other countries in Africa and beyond.
Reputable partner
John Dow, Managing Director for Special Olympics Africa said, “Partnering with reputable organizations like Plan International enhances our opportunity to bring even greater services to our current and future athletes and their families throughout the region."
Success story
Through Special Olympics, Florence Nabayinda has been able to grow to a leader for the movement. Not only has she represented Uganda on the global level at Special Olympics World Games, but is now a global spokesperson for the movement and a staff employee for Special Olympics Africa. As Nabayinda says, “I felt I could do nothing in life — ridiculed as “stupid”, forced to quit school, but when I ran I was somebody, and through running and Special Olympics I found my voice.”
For further details, read the press release
Visit the Special Olympics website
Back to top
