In Banjul, Gambia on December 7, 2025, the Republic of The Gambia marked a major milestone in promoting inclusive sports and education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities by joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
The partnership was formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of The Gambia and Special Olympic Games Gambiain the presence of Her Excellency Fatoumata Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, who hosted the Special Olympics delegation for a briefing on the partnership’s objectives and expected impact.
The MOU was signed by the Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, and Driss Bensouda, Chairman of Special Olympics Gambia, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting inclusive education through sports.
“The Global Coalition for Inclusion goes beyond an agreement. With Gambia’s signature, we have made a commitment to every Gambian, based on the belief that diversity and unity are our greatest strengths,” said the Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports. “Working together, we will open doors of opportunity, transform lives and build a society where everyone belongs and thrives.”
Through this partnership, Gambia will expand Special Olympic Games Unified Sports® programs across the country, bringing together students with and without students intellectual disability to play on the same teams while strengthening the inclusive school environment. The initiative is expected to reach more than 2,700 young people across 85 schools and provide specialist training to more than 150 teachers and sports leaders over the next three years, supporting long-term sustainable inclusion in education and sport.
“The Gambia’s membership in the Global Coalition for Inclusion reflects a clear choice about the kind of schools and communities the country wants to build. Inclusive sport creates space for children with intellectual disabilities to discover their strengths, while their peers learn understanding in a way no textbook can. We are grateful to see Gambia helping lead this effort and setting an example for others.”
Shawn Ferguson, Head of Global Government Relations, Special Olympics International
With Gambia’s signing, the Global Coalition for Inclusion continues to grow as a powerful platform for collective action, uniting governments, civil society and the global Special Olympics movement to create more inclusive societies where every person is seen, valued and empowered.
“The signing of the Global Coalition for Inclusion marks a meaningful step toward building a more inclusive society in The Gambia,” said Charles Nyambe, president and general manager of Special Olympics Africa. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to participate fully in sport and community life.”
The Coalition, made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), is amplified by key global and societal stakeholders, including Lions Clubs International Foundationthe United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Fondation Botnar, and textile brand H&M Move. Together, their support helps fuel community-based inclusion efforts worldwide.
For more information and ongoing initiatives, visit Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
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