Inclusive sports and health initiatives to be funded across the Caribbean and Europe
As part of a shared commitment to inclusive development through service, the Aruna Ahbey Oswal Trust has recommitted its support to the movement of Special Olympics to further support the empowerment of individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) across the Caribbean and Europe.
This collaboration, part of the global ‘Mission: Inclusion’ partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), underscores a shared commitment to enriching the lives of Special Olympics athletes and their families and fostering social inclusion through service, sports, and community engagement.
A Shared Vision for Inclusion
Since its inception in 2001, the partnership between the movement of Special Olympics and the LCIF has helped countless individuals with intellectual disabilities gain access to eye health and vision care, health education, inclusive sports, youth engagement and leadership development.
The Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust, a Delhi-based organization under the visionary leadership of global leader, philanthropist and social activist Aruna Oswal, has played a pivotal role, expanding ‘Mission: Inclusion’ across the world, addressing critical needs while fostering collaboration among Special Olympics national organizations, local Lions clubs jurisdictions, and local communities.
Aruna Abhey Oswal said: “We believe in creating a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is given the chance to shine. Through our partnership with Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation, we are driving inclusion and empowering some of the most marginalized communities through service.”
“The joy and sense of belonging we see on the faces of these athletes, their families, Lions clubs volunteers and Leos inspire us to continue supporting this shared vision. It is a privilege to contribute to such transformative work.”
Transforming the Caribbean
With the support of the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust, remarkable success has been seen across the Caribbean, ushering in a strong platform of national and regional collaboration that has been successful in engaging national governments, industry leaders and the global development sector.
By integrating inclusive sports programs, family health education, and youth engagement, this partnership has created new opportunities for people with and without IDD and their families to thrive, connect, and strengthen local communities.
Lorna Bell, Executive Director, Caribbean Initiatives, Regional & Program Operations, said: “This partnership exemplifies the power of unity and shared purpose. The Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust’s generosity and Lions Clubs International Foundation’s unwavering commitment allow us to expand the reach of our programming and transform the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
“Together, we are breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and building stronger communities worldwide. This is not just a collaboration; it is a movement for dignity for all. I feel proud to support Special Olympics and work so closely in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust.”
Key elements of the partnership across the Caribbean region include the activation of Special Olympics Unified Sports®, the organization of key family health education seminars, the expansion of the Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) and the first-ever celebration of the Special Olympics Caribbean Unified Basketball tournament.
A Model for Global Impact
The partnership has also extended its reach to other regions, including Europe, where initiatives such as the ‘Unified with Refugees’ program are making a significant impact, providing inclusive sports opportunities and family health education to refugees across the region in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency and LCIF.
Dr. Patti Hill, LCIF Chairperson, added: “Lions Clubs International Foundation has long been dedicated to serving communities in need, and our collaboration with Special Olympics and the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust furthers this mission in profound ways.”
“Together, we are leveraging our global network to ensure no one is left behind, creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.”
Strategic Goals for 2024-2027
Looking ahead, the partnership aims to achieve several strategic goals across the Caribbean and beyond, including:
- Expanding Special Olympics Unified Sports® and Special Olympics Unified Schools programs to reach more communities.
- Establishing Family Health Forums in every Special Olympics National Program in the Caribbean.
- Launching high-profile events like the Unified Basketball Championship to showcase inclusion in action.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability and disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With over four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in 200 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.
To learn more visit www.specialolympics.org
About the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust
The Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust is dedicated to philanthropy and service, working to create meaningful impact in the areas of education, health, and community development.
About Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the global foundation supporting the 1.4 million members of Lions Clubs International through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and around the world. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 20,000 grants totaling nearly US$1.3 billion. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org/lcif.
