"SAINS" initiative for inclusive sport

Supported by Special Olympics Senegal

Established in 1968, Special Olympics is an international organisation that promotes the social inclusion through sport of persons with intellectual disabilities. The main objective of the Senegalese programme is the inclusion of persons belonging to this population group through their self-development and by highlighting their skills and abilities

The "SAINS : Sport, Alimentation, Inclusion, Nutrition, Santé" (Sport, Food, Inclusion, Nutrition, Health) project is an initiative that combines inclusive sport, wellness, nutrition and environmental health with a view to contributing to improving the health and fostering the empowerment of athletes with intellectual disabilities who are members of Special Olympics Senegal. The project is scheduled to last a year and will be implemented in three regions: Dakar, Kaolack and Ziguinchor.

Context

The main legislation for the promotion and protection of the rights of people with disabilities in Senegal is Law 2010/15 of 6 July 2010. This Act aims “to guarantee equal opportunities for people with disabilities and the promotion and protection of their rights against all forms of discrimination”. However, the law is not fully effective as the implementing decrees have yet to be signed.

Moreover, intellectual disabilities remain the least understood and most marginalised forms of disability in Senegal. The specific needs of this group of persons are rarely taken into account, as policies and support for vulnerable populations are mostly limited to those with physical and visual disabilities.

Special Olympics Senegal wants to contribute to an inclusive world for all by using the power of sport in particular for the benefit of people with intellectual disabilities.

Goals

Raise awareness about the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
Educate participants about environmental protection, good nutrition and well-being
Enable young athletes to acquire skills for their greater inclusion in society
Promote citizenship and encourage participants to be active in decision-making on themes and issues relating to their future

Activities

Organising sports sessions and educational workshops on food and nutrition
Designing, finalising and publishing a booklet to provide information, raise awareness and initiate activities relating to sport, food, nutrition and health that are adapted to the needs of athletes
Football tournaments that bring together athletes and “partners” (young people without disabilities) in the three target regions
Raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations, preventing malaria and COVID-19, promoting healthy living, etc.
Raising participants’ awareness of intellectual disabilities and the impact of an inclusive society

Impacts

400 young people (both athletes and partners) have been trained and put in contact within their communities
50 people (coaches, volunteers, participants, staff) have been mobilised to implement the project
16 athletes’ football teams have been formed for tournaments in three regions of Senegal (Dakar, Kaolack and Ziguinchor)