The Special Olympics in BiH has started successfully with the implementation of the project Inclusion through Sports for Children with Developmental Disabilities. The project is funded by the EEA and the NORWEGIAN GRANTS FUND FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION. Through this project, the Special Olympics in BiH will contribute to the creation of better conditions and more inclusive society for children with disabilities.

"I am very satisfied and grateful that the Special Olympics in BiH was recognized and that we were given the opportunity to be one of the partners in this project. In our work so far, we have done a lot in the field of inclusion through sports, and through this project, we will not only work on inclusion but also educate families, local communities, coaches, students, to create conditions for a sustainable inclusive program in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We held trainings on the needs of inclusion and an inclusive sports program in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, which were attended by high school students, students, athletes, and coaches, " said the Executive Director of SOBiH, Prof. Dr. Kada Delić Selimović.

Over 200 million people with intellectual disabilities (IP) in the world face stigma and isolation.

The project includes more than 5,200 children at 80 locations in 55 cities, 520 coaches will be involved and almost 350 competitions, 150 family health forums will be organized and 6,620 family members will be involved in all events (sports events, trainings, family forums).

The Special Olympics in Bosnia and Herzegovina has started with a program of training and inclusive competitions, while a new cycle of family health forums is being prepared. Together with associates in BiH, they will gather more than 5,000 children with and without difficulties in sports activities through the organization of training and competitions.

The project focuses on integrated play for children and offers a solution for social exclusion when children with IP are separated in special schools. It develops motor skills because children with IP who participate in SO develop twice as fast motor skills as children who do not participate. It provides users with social and emotional skills that help them in school. It provides children and the larger community with the opportunity to learn about IP and become more inclusive.

#specijalnaolimpijada #BiH #inkluzijakrozsport #workingtogetherforaninclusiveeurope