160 Students to Compete in Ellen Caulcrick Foundation’s Unified Sports Event Promoting Inclusion in Lagos

A total of 160 students drawn from 36 schools across Lagos State will take part in the second edition of the Ellen Olusola Caulcrick Foundation Unified Sports event, scheduled for November 4 at the Igbobi College sports facility, Lagos. The initiative, which brings together students with and without disabilities, seeks to promote inclusion, understanding, and empathy among young people.

Segun Caulcrick, a board member of the foundation and director of the Olusoye Compensatory Centre, explained that the goal is to nurture compassion and acceptance of persons with disabilities from an early age. “We want children to grow up seeing their peers with disabilities as part of them and to offer support rather than exclusion. These children will shape the future, so starting this awareness early helps build a compassionate society,” he said.

Lagos State Coordinator of Special Olympics Nigeria, Mrs. Olawunmi Subair, revealed that participants would come from 24 public and 12 private schools, with each school presenting two students with disabilities and two without. She noted that scouts from the Sports Commission would be on hand to identify talented athletes for further development. This year’s edition will feature six more schools than last year and introduce additional sports for visually impaired participants. Events will include races, basketball, football, hoops games, tug of war, egg races, and dancing contests involving teachers, parents, and students. All participants will receive medals, branded shirts, gifts, and lunch, while coaches will be provided with transportation stipends.

Caulcrick commended the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs for its ongoing efforts but called for increased government support for families of children with disabilities, particularly in scholarships and transportation. He disclosed that the foundation has earmarked ₦50 million for the event and is seeking additional sponsorship from corporate bodies, especially banks supporting disability initiatives. Health professionals from Atlanta, Georgia, will also be present to provide medical checks for participants.

Founded in 2013 in honour of special educator and advocate Mrs. Ellen Olusola Caulcrick, the foundation aims to empower persons with disabilities through education, training, and advocacy. Caulcrick further revealed plans to establish a base in Epe, where the foundation has acquired land to build a residential facility for students with special needs.