Special Olympics Nigeria Athlete Got Talent

The Athlete Got Talent is an initiative of Special Olympics Nigeria to showcase and promote the talents of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in music, dance, and art using a unified approach.

The initiative commenced its first curriculum in August 2021, with a call for entry of unified teams (a person with and a person without ID paired). Those who met the selection criteria were admitted into a 3-month training program by certified professionals in Music, Dance, and Art. The participants were also taught how to use social media to promote their skills.

On the 4th of December, the 2021 pilot Athlete Got Talent initiative concluded with a grand finale in Ikeja, Lagos. The participating unified teams thrilled the audience in an entertaining and fun-filled way showcasing their fluid dance routines, captivating artwork, and enthralling musical performances.

Some highlights of the event were the electrifying group performance of the unified music and dance team members, the competitive performances of the unified teams, the recitals by students from invited special schools, and the performances by the guest artist.

The Manager, Initiatives Program, Ibiyemi Ayeni used the opportunity to commemorate World Disability Day 2021, by addressing the audience in a speech that was supported with a stage drama performed by the athletes. The message was a call urging all to stand for equal access to opportunities and services for people with intellectual disabilities as we work towards an inclusive and sustainable world. The event ended with an award and prize presentation to the winners of the competition in each category, and presentation of gift items to all participants.

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