ROSEAU, Dominica — January 8, 2026, will be remembered as a watershed moment in Dominica’s social development history as the Caribbean nation formally aligned itself with the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. The landmark signing ceremony, orchestrated under the guidance of Senator Oscar George, Minister of State for Sports, signifies the government’s profound commitment to creating a more equitable society for citizens with intellectual disabilities.
The ceremony witnessed the convergence of key stakeholders including Ainsworth Irish, National Director of Special Olympics Dominica, and Trevor Shillingford, representing the Ministry of Sports. This partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for implementing inclusive policies through educational and athletic channels.
The Global Coalition for Inclusion, initiated in 2023, represents a multinational alliance combining governmental resources, philanthropic organizations, and developmental agencies to eradicate social exclusion. Supported by prominent entities like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the coalition employs strategic initiatives to promote inclusive education and sports programming on a global scale.
Through this memorandum of understanding, Dominica has committed to an ambitious three-year implementation strategy that will integrate Unified Sports programs across 15 educational institutions, directly benefiting approximately 1000 young participants. This initiative transcends symbolic gesture, representing a concrete action plan to cultivate environments of mutual respect and social acceptance within school systems and broader community structures.
Dominica’s accession marks the 20th nation to join this global movement and the third Caribbean territory following Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. This strategic positioning demonstrates the island nation’s dedication to leading regional efforts in disability inclusion and social integration.
Senator George emphasized that “this partnership inaugurates a transformative period for Dominican youth, regardless of physical or intellectual capabilities. The introduction of Unified Sports within our educational framework will instill values of acceptance and collaborative spirit that will resonate through generations.”
Irish echoed this sentiment, expressing profound appreciation for the governmental collaboration: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sport, and Community Development enables tangible social transformation through athletic inclusion. We are witnessing the powerful effects of unified sports in breaking down barriers and creating cohesive communities.”
This agreement represents more than bureaucratic formality—it constitutes a compelling call to action for systemic social reform. Dominica’s decisive step positions the nation as a beacon of progressive change within the Caribbean region, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across neighboring territories.