WEAR RED FOR INCLUSION – SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BY THEMBA ZWANE

LOBAMBA – Special Olympics Eswatini has called on emaSwati to join the Global Week of Inclusion by wearing red and promoting messages of acceptance, respect and belonging for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Global Week of Inclusion, which runs from July 20 to 26, is an international campaign led by Special Olympics aimed at raising awareness about the importance of building communities where everyone is valued and given equal opportunities to participate.

As part of this year’s campaign, Special Olympics Eswatini is encouraging individuals, schools, businesses, government institutions, churches and community organisations to wear red during the week and use social media platforms to spread messages that promote inclusion.

The organisation said the campaign seeks to change attitudes and ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted, respected and included in all aspects of society.

“Inclusion means that everyone belongs. Through the Global Week of Inclusion, we are calling on every liSwati to stand with us by wearing red and showing that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the same opportunities to learn, work, play and thrive alongside everyone else,” the organisation said in a statement.

Special Olympics Eswatini urged members of the public to share photos and messages supporting inclusion on social media using the hashtags #ChooseToInclude, #GlobalWeekOfInclusion and #LightUpForInclusion while tagging the organisation.

The body also encouraged emaSwati to support initiatives that promote inclusive schools, workplaces and communities, while inspiring friends, family members and colleagues to support people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Eswatini said true inclusion begins when every person is welcomed, respected and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.