Government Commits $105,000 to Expand Inclusive Schools Programme Through Special Olympics Partnership

The government of St Kitts and Nevis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the and Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis organisation. The MoU was signed on Wednesday 1, April 2026.

After the MoU, the twin island has officially become the partners of the special Olympics under the  Global Coalition for Inclusion Partnership for 2026-2028 time period. The signing ceremony was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

On the behalf of the government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Development and Disability et al. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed the MoU. Ivor Balke, the National Director, signed on behalf of the  Local Special Olympics.

During the three year partnership, the government has pledged to invest $105,000 to expand Unified Champion schools. The program creates the environment of leadership development, inclusive learning through sport and school engagement. Several years ago the initiative was started with the students of the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive Schools along with other two primary schools. The outcome from the initiative was tremendous as it educated the students from participating school on the importance of not engaging in discrimination.

The organization has claimed that the nation has see lesser instances of discrimination after the agreement came into affect

Moreover with the new investment, the program will expand and connect with 18 schools. 80 teachers will be trained and more than 1,000 students will engage and 150 students with intellectual disabilities will also be part of the program across the island.

Ivor Balke said the signing between both bodies was a celebration of partnership leadership and every intellectual disabilities individual deserves a place to grow , learn and thrive. Executive Director of Special Olympics Caribbean, Lorna Bell congratulated the twin islands government for taking this bold step in support of inclusion.

Dr. Geoffrey Hanley mentioned it was an honour for him to sign this landmark MOU. He believes the program will strengthen the fabric of society by promoting a strong sense of belonging.

He further also shared the previous years achievements of the federation towards intellectual disabilities communities across the islands. Since 2022 the twin island government’s main priority has been to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Methods such as transforming access to public buildings, expansion in transportation and introducing signed features across the region.