International Disability Day was celebrated through sports as Special Olympics Samoa held its national games, hitting two birds with one stone.

Special Olympics Samoa National Director, Unasa Elizabeth Ah Poe, said while the bigger aim is to identify possible national trialists, it was good to create awareness and encourage talented young athletes/

"Every four years we conduct National Games to prepare our athletes for the Special Olympic games and next year the World Summer Games is taking place in Berlin, Germany," said Unasa. 

"Celebrating and commemorating the two important events this month and we gathered all our athletes together to share skills, give them courage, share talents and give them joy in Sports."

As the Samoa-accredited body for Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Samoa coordinates the National Games as part of the development program for athletes with intellectual disability in Samoa.

"It is part of our overall program development that provides a stepping stone to the ongoing growth of those of the community who have an intellectual disability," added Unasa.

"In commemoration of International Disability Day, this also falls in line with the 16 days of activism every year. This yearly event helped built friendships empowered athletes, create awareness and to build a more inclusive Samoan community for people with intellectual disabilities.

"Samoa is striving to create a more inclusive society where no one is left behind in this country with the Samoa Special Olympics Committee celebrate international Disability day through sport with the help of local partners from different organisations."

With the help of other sporting bodies, Samoa Special Olympics were able to deliver a successful event that hosted more than two hundred participants. 

This is a move to create a more inclusive Samoan community and a better society for everyone. The International Disability Day also coincides with the 16 days of activism where they move to end violence against women and girls as well as making sure that they are all treated fairly.