Special Olympics Africa Director Celebrates Zambia’s Leadership in Inclusive Sports
The spirit of unity, joy, and inclusion lit up the Special Olympics Unified Sports Festival this week, as Ngawa Mumba, Director of Youth and Education for Special Olympics Africa, praised Zambia for its growing leadership in championing inclusion through sport.
Addressing the audience as Guest Speaker, Mumba described her joy in witnessing Special Olympics Zambia implement the Unified Champion Schools Project, a program that unites students with and without intellectual disabilities on the sports field.
“The reason why we’re here is because of the Unified Champion Schools Project, which Zambia is gladly a part of,” Mumba said. “We bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together to play, to laugh, to experience joy, and to share their gifts with their communities.”
She emphasized that sport is more than competition, it is a powerful tool for transforming mindsets and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“There is no disability that we see, we see abilities. Our athletes have the power to kick the ball, to throw the ball, to play just like anyone else,” she added passionately. “Our mission is to bring about an inclusive mindset where everyone plays together.”
Mumba outlined the three core components of the Unified Champion Schools model:
- Unified Sports – where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side;
- Inclusive Youth Leadership – building leadership skills through training for both athletes and partners;
- Whole School Engagement – fostering a culture of inclusion involving teachers, students, and the broader school community.
She highlighted a recent leadership workshop as an example of the program’s success in empowering youth through shared responsibility and mutual respect.
Mumba also acknowledged the support from government, noting the presence of the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kelvin Mambwe, as a symbol of strong institutional partnership.
“Special Olympics Zambia is not walking this mission alone,” she said. “Partnership with the Ministry of Education shows a shared commitment to ensuring inclusivity in our schools.”
When asked about her overall impression of the festival, Mumba’s response was heartfelt:
“If I see a smile on the athletes’ faces, if I see them participating and happy, I am happy. That is why we are here.”
As the event continued, Mumba’s words served as a powerful reminder that inclusive sports do more than build athletes, they build communities. Through shared play, laughter, and teamwork, Zambia is taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future, one game at a time.
