With the mission of promoting the development of judo worldwide in all sectors of sport, the International Judo Federation (IJF) and Special Olympics (SOI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen opportunities for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
SOI athletes exemplify courage, joy and inclusivity, transcending geographical, cultural and social boundaries. The MOU will promote possibilities for all to experience the benefits of judo and both organisations will work on the development of judo for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) worldwide.
The goals of the agreement include targets for equality, accessibility and inclusion in the sport of judo. It also includes the support of the integration of Special Olympics Judo within broader judo structures at all levels, while the expansion of the ‘Judo—More than Sport’ initiative will also reach out to athletes with intellectual disabilities.
In addition, Special Olympics Judo coaching resources will be available to all judo coaches. All activities will help to increase public awareness of Special Olympics Judo and encourage growth in athlete participation.
Judo as a sport, but also as an educational tool, is for everyone, without any kind of discrimination. The MOU signed between the IJF and SOI will be a fantastic tool to demonstrate that judo is a sport that can impact lives beyond the field of play.
Special Olympics is a global sports movement that unleashes the human spirit every day around the world through the transformative power of sport. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is tackling the inactivity, stigma, isolation and injustice that people with intellectual disabilities often face. The work of SOI uses sport to drive social change and works to ensure that people with ID have the opportunity to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport participation.
