Special Olympics Angola is rapidly evolving as the newest program in Africa, founded in 2022. Under the guidance of Jean-Jacques Nzadi Conceição, a former professional basketball player and FIBA Hall of Famer, the initiative has nearly doubled its athlete count to 1,363 in the previous year.
Partnership with Manchester City
A significant development for Special Olympics Angola is its partnership with Manchester City and the global appliance group, Midea. This collaboration aims to foster healthier, happier, and more connected communities worldwide. The partnership will span five countries, with Angola’s capital, Luanda, being a focal point.
Community Transformation Project
Midea is committed to donating resources and appliances to revamp a community center into an inclusive football hub. This facility will serve as a gathering place where young people can participate in football education and develop leadership skills. It aims to enhance their physical and mental well-being, aligning closely with Special Olympics Angola’s mission.
- Goal: Create a safe environment for youth engagement
- Focus: Football-based education and leadership development
- Partnership Benefits: Transform community interactions
Tom Pitchon, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at City Football Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Through this partnership, we are using football and Midea products to uplift the lives of young people around the world,” he stated. The community football projects will provide a nurturing environment that promotes health, confidence, and leadership.
Advancing Inclusion in Sports
Special Olympics Angola occupies a pivotal role in the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. This initiative is championed by Honorable Rui Luís Falcão Pinto de Andrade, the Minister of Youth and Sports. The collaboration aims to positively impact 3,085 youths across 128 schools in Angola, including those with intellectual disabilities.
Specialized training for more than 200 teachers over the next three years will ensure effective implementation of inclusive practices within educational settings.
Future Aspirations
As Special Olympics Angola grows, it will send an observational delegation to the first-ever Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico, taking place from December 3 to 7. This participation reflects their ambitions of one day hosting such global events.
This partnership between Special Olympics Angola, Manchester City, and Midea signifies a crucial step toward enhancing the lives of youth in Angola through sports and education.
