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Special Olympics
New Model For a New Time: Special Olympics Dutch Caribbean Kingdom Games create
FEDERATIONS
legacy of impact
Asmall 111-square mile island off the coast of South America became a part of Special Olympics history when Bonaire played host to the first-ever Spe- cial Olympics Dutch Caribbean Kingdom Games on 3-5 November.
This Olympic-type sporting event brought together over 100 athletes with intellectual disabilities from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and St. Maarten, com- peting across six sports: athletics, base- ball5TM, beach volleyball, bocce, football (soccer) and swimming.
It was a new, innovative and transformative model of development through sport pro- gramming for youth with intellectual and development disabilities that the National Government of the Netherlands, together with Special Olympics Bonaire, invested in through a 3-year partnership with the move- ment of Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics Dutch Caribbean Kingdom Games aimed to enhance in- clusivity in sports by involving local wel- fare organizations and sports federations. Through this initiative, the goal was to establish a lasting legacy on Bonaire, pro- viding individuals with intellectual and de- velopmental disabilities more opportunities for year-round participation in sports. The Dutch government's support for this ini- tiative presents a counter-narrative to the tribalism that often dominates politics and social dialogue, emphasizing grassroots sports and community building as tools to uplift marginalized communities.
Prior to competition, Special Olympics Bo- naire hosted its first Family Health Forum with support from Lions Club International Foundation and the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust. Bringing together more than 50 fam- ilies, caregivers, and community members, it was an excellent example of the potential
for growth that exists across the Caribbean. The commitment to health equity contin- ued during Healthy Athletes screenings as all athletes were given the opportunity to participate in Health Promotion and FUNFit- ness screenings after competition ended for the weekend.
David Evangelista, Special Olympics Eu- rope Eurasia (SOEE) President and Man- aging Director, and Senior Advisor for Inter- national Development at Special Olympics, said: “The steadfast commitment to inclu- sive development across the Dutch Carib- bean reflects an enduring dedication by the
government to bolster the efforts of Special Olympics Netherlands, one of the most ac- tive national Special Olympics organizations across the world.
“Having successfully hosted a myriad of na- tional and international competitions, Special Olympics in the Netherlands continues to engage a growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, solidifying its position as one of the strongest members of the Special Olympics global family. By re- placing stigma with status and empowering their athletes to take their rightful place on and off the field, the organization has be- come a beacon of inclusion. “These Games offered the Caribbean a chance to reaffirm its commitment to inclusion through sports, revitalizing the vision for a future where every- one belongs. They empowered athletes fur- ther to promote the global vision of "Leave No One Behind" as advocated by the United Nations, underscored the talents and con- tributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostered solidar- ity and demonstrated that coming together leads to a world where everyone has the op- portunity to shine.”
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PHOTO BY SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH AMERICA