In Banjul, The Gambia on December 7, 2025, the Republic of The Gambia marked a significant milestone in advancing inclusive sport and education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities by joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of The Gambia and Special Olympics The Gambia, in 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 goals and anticipated impact.
The MOU was signed by Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, and Driss Bensouda, Chair of Special Olympics Gambia, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing inclusive education through sport.
“The Global Coalition for Inclusion transcends an agreement. With The Gambia’s signing, we have made a commitment to every Gambian, grounded in the belief that diversity and unity are our greatest strengths,” said Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports. “By working together, we will open doors of opportunity, transform lives, and build a society where everyone belongs and thrives.”
Through this partnership, The Gambia will expand Special Olympics Unified Sports® programs nationwide, bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to play on the same teams while strengthening inclusive school environments. The initiative is expected to reach more than 2,700 youth across 85 schools and will provide specialized training to over 150 educators 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 it 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 teach. We’re grateful to see The Gambia help lead this effort and set an example for others.”
Shawn Ferguson, Chief of Global Government Relations, Special Olympics International
With The 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, Special Olympics Africa President & Managing Director. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of 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 strengthened by key global and civic stakeholders including Lions Clubs International Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Fondation Botnar, and textile brand H&M Move. Together, their support helps drive community-based inclusion efforts worldwide.
For more information and ongoing initiatives visit Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.
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