Special Olympics Rwanda targets stronger school inclusion through UCS programme

Special Olympics Rwanda has begun a two-day coach and teacher training programme aimed at strengthening inclusive sport and education as part of the country’s expansion of the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programme.

The training, held on 13 and 14 August 2026 at the Ministry of Sports Conference Room at Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, brings together coaches and teachers from 13 institutions across Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge and Bugesera districts.

Opening the two-day training, Special Olympics Rwanda Chairman, Amb. Karabaranga Jean Pierre, began by giving an overview of Special Olympics Rwanda and them to use the opportunity to deepen their understanding of inclusion, teamwork and leadership.

He encouraged participants to return to their schools equipped with practical skills to promote Unified Sports and empower every learner.

Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva, Director General of School Health and Wellness in the Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of creating school environments where learners with and without intellectual disabilities can participate, learn and develop together.

“The training not simply as a two-day capacity-building exercise, but as an opportunity to acquire practical skills that can be transferred to their schools and communities”, he added

The MBZ-funded UCS expansion is equipping coaches and teachers with knowledge of Special Olympics programmes, intellectual disabilities, Unified Sports, Young Athletes and UCS.

Special Olympics Rwanda says the initiative uses sport to unite students with and without intellectual disabilities while strengthening school structures that promote participation, leadership and social inclusion.

The first day of the training includes an introduction to the Special Olympics movement, sessions on understanding intellectual disabilities, Unified Sports and the Young Athletes programme.

The second day will focus on the Unified Champion Schools model, the development of school action plans, sports activities and competitions, as well as non-sport activities

The training is part of a broader 2026-2028 expansion plan targeting 52 additional schools across Rwanda’s Kigali-Eastern Corridor, covering Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Bugesera, Rwamagana and Kayonza.

Special Olympics Rwanda currently works with more than 210 schools nationwide through UCS, but intends to expand its reach by recruiting 52 additional institutions, training 104 coaches and teachers and strengthening inclusive structures within participating schools.

Phase One is being implemented in four districts, with eight new schools and special centres joining five institutions that have operated an existing UCS programme since 2020.

The 13 participating institutions include Inshuti Zacu Special Center, Heros Inclusive School, Face of Love Special Center, AVEH Umurerwa Special Center, Lycée de Kigali, GS Kacyiru, GS St Vincent Pallotti, GS Maranyundo, Izere Mubyeyi, GS Kimisagara, HVP Gatagara Gikondo and Tubiteho Bonsejour.

Through Unified Sports, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities participate together, while the UCS model also promotes inclusive youth leadership and activities outside sport.

Special Olympics Rwanda plans to establish school-level league and athlete leadership structures and organise competitions in athletics, bocce, football and basketball.

District-level partnerships are also expected to play a key role in sustaining the programme beyond the initial expansion period.

The organisation says the final stages of the project will focus on sustainability and local ownership, with greater integration into government systems and stronger partnerships with education and sports stakeholders.

Founded in 2002, Special Olympics Rwanda continues to play a leading role in promoting inclusion through sport.

The organization currently supports more than 20,000 athletes across all 30 districts and organizes over 900 competitions annually across multiple disciplines.

With over 1,000 volunteers and hundreds of trained coaches, the movement continues to grow through partnerships with schools, communities, and government institutions, advancing dignity, equality, and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities through sport.

Photos

Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva urged participants to use training to strengthen inclusive sport in education

Amb. Karabaranga encouraged participants to strengthen inclusion, teamwork and leadership while promoting Unified Sports in their schools

Muhire Patrick Guevara, Secretary General at Special Olympics Rwanda and acting National Director, trained participants on inclusion, teamwork, leadership and practical skills for Unified Sports

Gilbert Ndayishimiye, Sports Director at Special Olympics Rwanda.