On Thursday, 8 January, 2026, the Commonwealth of Dominica marked a historic milestone on its journey toward a more inclusive society. Under the visionary leadership of the Senator Hon. Oscar George, Minister of State with Responsibility for Sports, the government officially joined the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
The Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion is a major collaborative movement uniting governments, businesses, philanthropy, and development groups to create a more inclusive world, focusing on expanding inclusive education and sports for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) through initiatives like Unified Schools, aiming to reach millions of youth globally and foster systemic change. Launched in 2023, it drives action by encouraging investment in inclusive practices and building platforms for collaboration between diverse sectors, with key support from partners like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Dominica has pledged to expand Special Olympics Unified Sports® programming throughout the country. Over the next three years, this groundbreaking partnership will introduce Unified Sports to 15 schools, offering transformative opportunities for 1,000 youth and increasing the number of participating athletes and Unified partners by 9x.
Special Olympics Dominica is deeply grateful for the partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sport, and Community Development. Through Unified Sports, we are seeing firsthand the transformative impact of inclusion, teamwork, and mutual respect in our schools and communities. This collaboration empowers young people of all abilities to participate, grow, and inspire one another, building a brighter, more unified future for Dominica.
Ainsworth Irish
This initiative is not simply a promise, but it is a bold, actionable step towards nurturing a culture of acceptance, respect, and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities within the educational system and beyond.
Dominica now proudly stands as the 20th country to join the Special Olympics Global Coalition. This remarkable achievement signals Dominica’s unwavering dedication to building a society where every person, regardless of ability, is empowered to reach their full potential. This ratification of the Global Coalition for Inclusion in Dominica emphasizes the collective commitment of both the Dominica government and Special Olympics Dominica to dismantle barriers and champion a spirit of unity.
“Dominica’s commitment to the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion marks a new era of opportunity for our young people, both with and without disabilities,” said Senator Hon. George. “By bringing Unified Sports to our schools, we are fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and teamwork that will shape future generations. Together, we are building a society where every child can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress.”
The signing of this MoU is not just a formal agreement; it is a rallying call for transformation. It marks a significant milestone in Dominica’s journey toward championing the rights and opportunities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through this partnership, Dominica is shining a beacon of hope throughout the region, inspiring countries near and far to follow its courageous example.
