Memorandum of Cooperation Signed Between the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Special Olympics BiH: Inclusion Is Not a Project – It Is a Systemic Obligation

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, and the Executive Director of Special Olympics BiH, Kada Delić-Selimović, signed today a Memorandum of Cooperation establishing a stronger framework for improving the quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The signing took place in the presence of David Evangelista, President of Special Olympics Europe.

The Memorandum was signed as part of the visit by the delegation of Special Olympics Europe to Sarajevo, taking place from May 27 to 30, led by President David Evangelista. The aim of this cooperation is to strengthen joint efforts in the fields of sports, recreation, healthcare, inclusive education, family programs, and social integration of persons with developmental disabilities.

Minister Bošnjak emphasized the importance of a strategic and systemic approach to inclusion:

“Inclusion is not a project – it is a systemic obligation. By signing this memorandum, we are sending a clear message that inclusion must not depend on the enthusiasm of individuals, but must be guaranteed by laws, budgets, and educational policies.”

Minister Bošnjak addressed a special message to young athletes, highlighting that they are the best ambassadors of inclusion and recalling their recent success at the Winter Games in Turin, where they won 12 medals.

David Evangelista, President of Special Olympics Europe, praised the engagement of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH in promoting inclusion through sports and expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s continuous institutional support to Special Olympics BiH. He emphasized that such commitment and strategic involvement of state authorities serve as a positive example of how public policies can contribute to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.

Evangelista underscored that the Ministry’s activities, led by Minister Dubravka Bošnjak, are proof that inclusion is not just a declarative obligation, but a real policy implemented through concrete actions, partnerships, and visible results.

Kada Delić-Selimović, Executive Director of Special Olympics BiH, thanked the Ministry of Civil Affairs for its long-standing support, highlighting that the cooperation has led to the creation of better conditions for the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in sports activities and their participation in numerous national and international competitions.

Special thanks were also extended to international partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, and Special Olympics Europe, for their ongoing support of activities that promote equality and social inclusion.

The signing of the Memorandum is part of a broader program of the Special Olympics BiH Summit and National Games, currently taking place in Sarajevo under the slogan “Inclusive Revolution.” As emphasized, this slogan is a call for joint action – for a society in which every individual has the opportunity to be seen, valued, and supported.

The Games in Sarajevo bring together several hundred athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, and guests from across the country, with the competition program including three sports disciplines – basketball, football, and athletics. Organized by Special Olympics BiH, the event is the central annual gathering promoting the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport and unity.