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.

Athlete Got Talent: Special Olympics Nigeria Makes A Call for Entries

Building on the success of the Unified Art Project which was held in 2018, Special Olympics Nigeria is kicking off an initiative to showcase and promote the talent of people with intellectual disabilities (athletes) in entertainment.

The project tagged “Athlete Got Talent” aims to train interested athletes in Music, Dance, and Art over a 3-month period, thereafter they will compete at the grand finale event for the opportunity to be crowned winners in any of the three categories of the talent show.

Applications are now open and interested participants are urged to apply as a team of 2 comprising, a person with intellectual disability and a sibling without an intellectual disability on or before the 27th of August 2021.

Eligibility:

📌 Interest and/or ability to either sing, dance, or draw.

📌 Each applying team should consist of 1 person with an intellectual disability and 1 sibling or family member without intellectual disability.

To Apply:

📌 Follow our Instagram handle @sonigeria.

📌 Form a team of 2 (1 person with intellectual disabilities (ID) and 1 sibling without ID).

📌 Make a 60seconds video clip showcasing your team’s talent. (Pick a category: Music, Dance, or Art).

📌 Post your video clip on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #AthleteGotTalent #sonigeria in your caption and tag us @sonigeria.

Alternatively, you can submit your video entries via WhatsApp to +2347032422294.

Deadline: Friday, 27th August 2021

We wish you all the best.

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