The 2026 Special Olympics National Advancement Games for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities has opened at St. John’s Senior High School in Sekondi.
The 5-day event is on the theme: “Celebrating the Child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Sports.” It is under the auspices of Special Olympics Ghana, in conjunction with the Ghana Education Service and UNICEF.
The event is funded by Special Olympics Ghana with support from ROBB Foundation, FET Mining, Mother for Support Special School, among others. The annual event is aimed at nurturing talent, strengthening social inclusion, and breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
This is the third time the Western Region is hosting the event, which has brought together children from special schools across all 16 regions of Ghana for inclusive sports and athletic competition. The best region that emerges winner in the competition will represent Ghana at the Summer Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education, said it was not just an event but a celebration of human potential, determination, and courage. He said every child or individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and go beyond participation to excel.
Mr. Kwaku Owusu outlined the vital role sports play in building confidence, promoting healthy lifestyles, developing work and leadership skills, and fostering friendships that transcend regions and tribes.
Mr. Michael Aryeh, a Board Member of Special Olympics Ghana, said the event marked an important milestone in their collective efforts to promote inclusion, equity, and opportunity for persons with intellectual disabilities through sports, and to demonstrate sportsmanship, friendship, and excellence. He said the Special Olympics movement will continue to show that every individual, regardless of ability, can build confidence and gain experience.
Madam Mino Wang, Executive Director of FET Mining, a Chinese company and one of the sponsors of the event, said China-Ghana ties will continue to be strengthened to build a sustainable future. She expressed her outfit’s readiness to support the special athletes in the competition as part of its contribution to nurturing talents for the development of Ghana. Madam Wang described the special athletes as heroes and heroines in society who need the required support from stakeholders to develop their potential.
The Headmistress of Twin-City Special School at Sofokrom, Madam Crescentia Efua Bilson-Sai, said the games are ample testimony that “disability is not inability.” She said the Western Region was ready to host and win the event, adding that learners are endowed with potential and opportunities for inclusion in national development through sports.
Madam Mavis Opoku, Executive Director of ROBB Foundation, described Special Olympics sports as a celebration of courage, talent, and inclusion. She said all the athletes are champions and charged them to continue believing in themselves and giving their best.
Madam Rhoda Entchill, Education Officer at UNICEF in Accra, described the event as a turning point in the lives of such children, adding that the organization will support any opportunity for special children to learn, play, be healthy, and belong. She noted that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face barriers that have nothing to do with their potential.
Earlier, a contingent of school children from special schools across almost all 16 regions went on a float from Twin-City Special School at Sofokrom through the principal streets of Sekondi to drum home awareness that children with intellectual disabilities are capable of showcasing their innate talents and capabilities.
