By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, July 21, GNA – Special Olympics Ghana has launched this year’s Global Week of Inclusion with a call on governments, educational institutions, communities and civil society organisations to deepen efforts to create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The week-long celebration, being held on the theme “Inclusion Is Everyone’s Business,” was launched at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) office in Accra.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Patrick Nzuzi, Director of Sport and Organisational Development at Special Olympics Africa, said the event was aimed at raising awareness about persons with intellectual disabilities and promoting their participation in society.
He said the Global Week of Inclusion celebrated the achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities and highlighted the importance of ensuring their representation not only in sports but in all aspects of daily life.
ACP Thomas Opoku Darkwah, Deputy Board Chair of Special Olympics Ghana, said the week served as a reminder that inclusion was a shared responsibility that required collective action.
“This week reminds us that inclusion is not merely an aspiration but a shared responsibility and a call to create communities where every individual, regardless of status, is given the opportunity to participate fully,” he said.
“I am proud of the remarkable strides we continue to make in empowering persons with intellectual disabilities through sports.”
He said sports remained a powerful tool for promoting confidence, breaking down barriers and bringing people together.
“When we embrace inclusion, we unlock talent, build confidence and inspire hope. Sport has the unique power to break barriers and unite people across different borders,” ACP Darkwah said.
“Through Special Olympics, we have realised that athletes with intellectual disabilities are not defined by their limitations but by their courage, determination and extraordinary abilities.”
He called on government institutions, communities, educational establishments and civil society organisations to renew their commitment to inclusiveness and support initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all.
Mr Richard Kwame Oduro, Director of Planning at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for persons with disabilities and pledged its commitment to ensuring a successful Global Week of Inclusion.
He urged stakeholders to work together to advance inclusion and create an environment where people with intellectual disabilities could thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Global Week of Inclusion is observed annually by the Special Olympics movement to promote acceptance, respect and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through sports, education and community engagement.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare