Two young leaders from Papua New Guinea’s Special Olympics program have returned from a regional leadership training in Singapore, equipped with fresh knowledge and determination to promote inclusion and challenge the stigma faced by persons with intellectual disabilities.
Japheth Narrey and Eunice Wanjumoe, accompanied by mentor Jenny Luff, completed a three-day leadership and advocacy training organized by Special Olympics Asia Pacific. As members of the Regional Athlete Leadership Council (RALC) and the Regional Youth Leadership Council (RYLC), the trio represented Special Olympics PNG (SOPNG) at the international workshop.
Special Olympics is a global movement that uses sport, leadership, and health programs to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. Active in over 190 countries, including PNG since 2010, it works to break down social barriers and create inclusive communities.
Narrey, who lives with an intellectual disability, spoke candidly about the challenges he faced growing up in a school environment that did not understand or support him.
“I was teased and bullied a lot in school because of my condition so I left school and joined Special Olympics PNG,” he said. “Leaving school affected my learning. I tried my best and now I can read, but I still struggle with writing. But I’m not giving up. I’m still trying.”
The training focused on building the leadership capacity of youth with and without intellectual disabilities, giving them tools to become advocates and role models in their communities. Narrey shared that he now feels more confident in speaking out and hopes to raise awareness on the rights and dignity of people like him.
Wanjumoe, a youth without intellectual disability, emphasized the importance of what Special Olympics calls “Unified Leadership.”
“Unified leadership is about creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, is accepted and empowered to lead together,” said Wanjumoe. “This approach can break down barriers and ensure equal access to basic services such as education, health care, employment, and social participation.
“As a youth without intellectual disability, I am passionate about working alongside Japheth to amplify the voices of those with ID, making sure they are seen, heard, and valued in our society.”
Mentor Jenny Luff echoed their commitment, saying that the training strengthened their vision for inclusion in Papua New Guinea.
“We will continue our work under SOPNG by organizing events and sports programs to promote inclusion and acceptance in communities across PNG,” she said. “Don’t be quick to judge someone just because their abilities do not meet your expectations. Show empathy and respect to everyone, whether you know them or not.”
The Special Olympics leadership model encourages diversity and peer-to-peer collaboration, helping create a more inclusive future led by the youth of today.
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