The concept of Unified Sports resonates strongly with the National Education policy 2020 of India that makes Inclusion urgent. While reaching out to schools and colleges, we understand the power of the youth as agents of change. We endeavour to create several opportunities for the youth to engage and interact inclusively on and beyond the sports field, having the youth with IDD share equal space in everything from planning, execution and, participation. A meaningful intervention of the adults in schools, colleges and communities is critical , wherein they encourage and guide the youth , both, with and without Intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Youth Activation endeavours to sensitize the youth in schools by creating opportunities of enhanced engagements with the Special Olympics Athletes , to develop an attitude of acceptance and build communities of Inclusion. The success of the program is rooted in seeding experiments among youth and flipping the power paradigm in instituting radical social change so youth with and without ID directly drive change.

Youth Activation

The Youth, Education & Leadership Department empowers the next generation to become champions of inclusion.
By embedding inclusive practices into education, nurturing young leaders, and creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to grow beyond sports, we are building a nationwide movement where youth and athletes lead together.

Through school programs, state-level initiatives, national councils, and flagship events, we inspire changemakers and create pathways for leadership, advocacy, and meaningful participation.

State Activations – Summits & Teams

Across India, our state chapters form dedicated youth and athlete teams that bring inclusion to life through:

• Youth Activation sessions
  
• Athlete Leadership Trainings
  
• State Youth Summits
  

These events connect schools, communities, and leaders to create regional networks committed to inclusive action.

Athlete Leadership Training (ALT) & Employment for Persons with IDD

Our Athlete Leadership Training programs equip athletes with:

• Life skills for independence
  
• Leadership abilities to influence change
  
• Professional competencies for employment
  

Graduates receive continued mentorship, helping them take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully in workplaces and communities.

SSA Partnership (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan)

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and State SSA bodies, we train special educators and physical education teachers to make schools more inclusive.

Through formal MOUs in Odisha, Delhi, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, we have trained over 2,000 educators.

This initiative integrates Unified Sports and leadership activities into the school curriculum, ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate.

Unified Leadership– NYIC, NYLC, NAIC

Our National Youth Input Council (NYIC) and National Athlete Input Council (NAIC) bring together leaders from each state into a unified leadership structure.
Members are trained in:

• Leadership & advocacy 
• Fundraising & resource mobilisation 
• Community outreach 

The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) works closely with the National Office to drive awareness in the Delhi NCR region.

Unified Schools Programming

Through Unified Champion Schools and the Adopt-a-School model, we encourage sustained inclusive activities in schools.

Participating schools often mentor others, expanding the reach of the movement and fostering a culture where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and lead together.