UNICEF China and Special Olympics East Asia join forces to promote disability inclusion
Together we can create an inclusive society where every child is equally protected, cared for, and able to realize their potential.
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On 11 September, the Partnership Launching Ceremony between UNICEF China and Special Olympics East Asia took place at the UNICEF China office. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and officially announced their partnership to advance disability inclusion and ensure no child or adolescent is left behind.
Children took the lead in the ceremony, which was hosted by Special Olympics Athlete Chen Rui from Beijing Dongcheng District Peizhi School (a special education school that specifically admits children with intellectual and developmental disabilities) and Special Olympics Unified Partner Li Zhengze from Dongcheng District Banchang Primary School. Ms. Amakobe Sande, UNICEF Representative to China, Ms. Freda Fung, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics East Asia, Special Olympics Athlete representatives Sirui Jia and Song Yanshuo, and UNICEF Youth Advocate Zhao Chen gave speeches representing disability inclusion advocates and children and young people with disabilities.
During the ceremony Amakobe Sande said, “Both UNICEF China and Special Olympics East Asia are committed to helping these children overcome the barriers they face every day of their lives,” adding,
“Through this MOU, we aim to further strengthen our friendship and formalize our partnership. Together, we will work to raise more awareness and visibility around children with disabilities, and to enhance opportunities for social inclusion through sports.”
"We envision a future where our shared values and goals in areas like education, child protection, early childhood development, health, partnerships with other stakeholders, and advocacy are amplified. Together, we can achieve remarkable results, impact lives, and create a legacy of inclusion that will resonate for generations to come."
"The joy of sports should be shared with all. I hope that more professionals will use their knowledge and skills to help people on the ground create more inclusive sports opportunities for all. These activities will not only accommodate people with disabilities, but also promote cooperation among people with different physical or intellectual conditions."
"The signing of the memorandum of understanding represents the power of international organizations coming together, which will bring more people and organizations together to fight for the equal protection of the rights of people with disabilities, and infuse us with more confidence and strength to participate in society in an equal way. As a member of persons with disabilities, and especially as a person with intellectual disability, it is important to continue to speak up for myself and act for a more inclusive future!"
Representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities were also invited to the event. In the future, UNICEF China will further deepen its cooperation with government counterparts, incorporating disability inclusion into its cooperation programmes with China. UNICEF will also cooperate with civil society organizations, especially organizations of persons with disabilities, to jointly speak out on behalf of people with disabilities.
The signing ceremony also featured a ‘Special Olympics Unified Experience’, where Special Olympics athletes from the Beijing Dongcheng District Central Special Education School for persons with disabilities paired with other participants and played sports and games, such as pass-and-relay football and the rainbow umbrella game. These activities showcase the power of sports to foster friendship and mutual understanding between individuals with and without disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusion, respect, understanding and collaboration.
This landmark signing of an MOU represents the commitment of both UNICEF China and the Special Olympics East Asia to advancing children’s rights and the social participation of children with disabilities. Both parties will continue to work closely together to create more opportunities for children and young people of all abilities and to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
The partnership between UNICEF China and Special Olympics East Asia will serve as a model to drive and advocate for change in policies and practices in different countries and regions, at the global, regional, national, and local levels.
Together we can create an inclusive society where every child is equally protected, cared for, and able to realize their potential.