Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 02, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis formally signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday, April 01, 2026, committing the twin-island Federation as partners of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion Partnership (2026-2028).
The signing ceremony was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Development and Disability et al, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, signed on behalf of the government, while Ivor Blake, National Director, signed on behalf of the local Special Olympics.
Under the three-year partnership, the Government will invest $105,000 to expand Unified Champion Schools—a globally recognised model that uses sport, leadership development, and school-wide engagement to build inclusive learning environments. Special Olympics piloted the programme several years ago with students of the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive Schools and two other primary schools. Students from each school were integrated into teams, and the mixed students played side-by-side. The outcome was tremendous as everyone was treated as equals by their teammates, effectively reducing discrimination.
With this new investment, the initiative will expand to reach 18 schools, train 80 teachers, and engage more than 1,000 students, including 150 students with intellectual disabilities across the Federation.
Mr. Blake noted that the signing was a celebration of partnership, leadership, and more significantly, “a shared belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves a place to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Lorna Bell, Executive Director of Special Olympics Caribbean, congratulated the government for taking this bold and definitive step in support of inclusion. She added that the symbolic signing is a clear commitment that no one will be left behind.
Deputy Prime Minister Hanley called it “an honour” to sign this landmark MOU as it strengthens the fabric of society by promoting a strong sense of belonging.
“This sense of camaraderie and oneness breaks barriers and builds bridges that allow us to celebrate differences, while coming together as a community,” he stated. “Just imagine the global impact if people had an inclusive mindset.”
Honourable Hanley reflected on the tremendous success of the local Special Olympic teams over the years in international competitions and stressed the positive impact it has had on the athletes and coaches, families, and the nation.
“Let us continue to champion inclusivity, ensuring that every individual in Saint Kitts and Nevis has a chance to experience the joy of sports, the power of teamwork, and most importantly, the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a truly unified community,” he stated.
Since 2022, the government has actively worked to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, transforming access to public buildings, designating public parking spaces, expanding transportation capability, and introducing services that feature signing (sign language). In May 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis formally deposited its instruments of accession at the Organisation of American States (OAS) to the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.
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