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The Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Special Olympics Sierra Leone (SOSL) to strengthen support for young people with intellectual disabilities through sports, skills development, and social inclusion.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at expanding Special Olympics programmes across the country, promoting acceptance, and creating safe and enabling spaces for young people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in society.
Under the MoU, the Ministry of Youth Affairs will provide policy direction, advocacy support, and access to government platforms and resources. Special Olympics Sierra Leone will be responsible for the planning, organisation, and implementation of inclusive sports programmes, training activities, and competitions in line with international standards.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, said the MoU reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive youth development.
He described the partnership as a step toward ensuring that young people with intellectual disabilities are given equal opportunities to develop their talents and contribute to national development.
The minister noted that sports play a critical role in building confidence, promoting social cohesion, and fostering national unity, adding that the ministry will continue to support initiatives that place youth inclusion at the centre of development efforts.
The partnership is expected to enhance the reach of Special Olympics activities nationwide and contribute to building a more inclusive youth ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the collaboration will help change perceptions, inspire communities, and create new opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities to participate, compete, and thrive.
