The World Health Organization estimates that there are 1.3 billion people in the world with some kind of disability. That is, about 16% of the world’s population. Each of them is considered to have a direct influence on two people, whether they are from their family circle or from any other environment; therefore, close to 4,000 million people have a close relationship with a disability.

One can be born with a disability or have it throughout life due to an accident, illness, armed conflict or any other cause, but certainly, as we age, we have a high possibility of having a disability. The idea that these people belong to a minority changes when one thinks that they can integrate into the group as life goes on.

I had the honor of being unanimously elected as the President of the UN Working Group for the preparation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, between 2002 and 2005. This Convention is the first of this century, it includes the creation of the most modern legal concepts and the most universal because it was signed by 185 member states of the UN. It was a complex negotiation, because many countries were opposed to negotiations on rights whose observance is monitored, but the criterion that opposition to disability is politically incorrect prevailed.

During those negotiations, I met a large number of people with disabilities who are an example of self-improvement, persistence and courage. I realized that our societies are better if they are inclusive, respect diversity and learn to respect everyone’s rights.

Prominent among these actors is the Special Olympics organization, created by Eunice Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy, who had a vision of proposing sports, competition and effort as a way to improve people with disabilities. . It is the world’s largest organization dedicated to this goal.

The Special Olympics World Games, to be held in June in Berlin, will be the largest inclusive sporting event in the world. Almost 200 host cities will enable the competition of 7,000 athletes in 26 sports disciplines, represented by 190 delegations. There will be 20,000 volunteers and 350,000 spectators, making it the most important sporting event in Germany since the 1972 Munich Olympics.

There will be 20 delegations from Latin America with a total of 849 people, including athletes, coaches, doctors, support people and united partners.

Special Olympics proposed the Berlin Declaration on Education and Inclusive Communities to world governments. I witness the large number of countries that have pledged their support for inclusion.

“Revolution is inclusion” is the motto of this great effort of the 5.5 million members of the Special Olympics, which dignifies and humanizes national and international societies. All countries should join this initiative! (OR)