About thirty-six schools and 160 students are set to participate in the second edition of the Ellen Olusola Caulcrick Foundation (EOCF) Unified Sports event, scheduled for November 4 at the Igbobi College Sports Facility in Lagos.
According to the organisers, the initiative will feature students with and without disabilities competing together to promote inclusion, equality, and mutual understanding among young people from an early age.
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Promoting Early Acceptance and Empathy
Segun Caulcrick, a board member of the foundation and director of the Olusoye Compensatory Centre, said the event aims to reshape societal perceptions and reinforce the belief that “there is always ability in disability.”
“The idea is to start from a young age, to help children see others with disabilities as part of them and to accept and support them. These are the kids who will shape the society of tomorrow, so fostering compassion and empathy early is key,” Caulcrick explained.
He added that the programme reflects the founder’s lifelong commitment to inclusion, using sports as a unifying platform to demonstrate that teamwork and shared purpose transcend physical limitations.
“We aim to promote a culture where inclusion is not charity but a collective value, where every participant is recognised and celebrated for their contribution to society,” he added.
Call for greater support and policy action
Caulcrick also urged the government and stakeholders to create enabling policies and infrastructure to support people with special needs, ensuring accessibility and sustainable inclusion across sectors.
Special Olympics Nigeria, scouts join effort
Olawunmi Subair, Lagos State Coordinator of Special Olympics Nigeria, noted that participants would come from 24 government and 12 private schools, with four students per school, two with disabilities and two without.
She added that scouts from the Lagos State Sports Commission will attend to identify promising athletes for future development, while some participants are already engaged in vocational programmes supported by the foundation.
Caulcrick commended the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs for its ongoing efforts but encouraged further direct support for families of persons with disabilities.
Expanded programme and health screening
This year’s edition will feature six additional schools compared to the inaugural event and will include more sports for visually impaired athletes, such as running and walking races, basketball, football, egg races, tug of war, and dance competitions involving parents, teachers, and students.
Health professionals from Atlanta, Georgia (USA) will also conduct health screenings for participating children.
