Strategic MOU Signed SO Somalia and Lion Somalia Zone

Special Olympics Somalia and Lions Provincial Zone of Somalia has signed A Strategic partnership aimed at improving vision for some of the Horn of Africa’s most marginalized populations.

The signing ceremony for the framework – was held in the capital, Mogadishu, and attended from the special Olympics Chairperson for Somalia Mr.Yasir Abdi Yusuf.

From the Lions Provincial Zone Somalia side, those attending included the Lions Zone Chairperson-forbSomalia, Lions Sightfirst first action Initiative for Horn of Africa, and Both chairperson of Lions Diabetes and cancer Initiative for HoA/Somalia

“For years, we have worked side by side in the field of Family Healthy forums, Sports for those with intellectual disabilities, and we are so excited to expand the scope of our collaboration to meet additional needs in our communities,” Lion Zaynab of Somalia Immediate Zone Chair said. “This expanded global partnership provides an opportunity for our members to engage in new service opportunities like hearing health, family support, inclusive sports, membership development and much more.

This 5 years strategic partnership signed on May 14 2022 expands support will help in more areas where Special Olympics is in need of growth, and align with both organizations’ visions moving forward.

As part of a shared commitment to forging social inclusion worldwide, Special Olympics and the Lions Clubs International Foundation have placed an increased emphasis on the role that youth can play in making the world a more inclusive place for all. Through the transformative power of community service, youth worldwide have come together to not only amplify their message of hope but have put this message into motion!

The athletes of Special Olympics Somalia and the Leos of Somalia serve as a vibrant example of the way in which youth can offer new models of programming, new models of engagement and create new connections where they are needed most. Under the banner of “Mission: Inclusion”, the Leos of Romania teamed up with the athletes of Special Olympics Somalia to practice their skills at home – using both Practical and technology to ensure that their activities were fully Unified. This initiative is part of a long – standing collaboration between Special Olympics athletes and Leos from around the world through the implementation of Unified sports programming- bring youth with and without intellectual disabilities together on the playing field as a way to connect to the larger community.

This national and Regional (Horn of Africa) partnership shared between Special Olympics Somalia and the Lions Clubs of Somalia has ushered in a new platform of programming and service, including vision care, early childhood development services, refugee support, family health services, and most importantly youth engagement through inclusive sports. Lions Clubs International Foundation and Special Olympics are committed to ensuring that youth of all abilities- Special Olympics athletes and Leos alike- have the opportunity to showcase their abilities, their solidarity, and their unity.

In a world seemingly upside down, the global community is need of new teachers, new messages, and new models. Who is best to teach these lessons? Perhaps we need look no further than the Leos of Somalia and their Special Olympics athlete peers to show us the way.

We look forward to strengthening this great partnership with it in order to address Horn of Africa and Somalia’s complex challenges across Education, Health and sports to Support Youth and Somali Community