Unified football: IBS renews its commitment alongside Special Olympics Senegal for a more inclusive sport

The annex of the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium vibrated this Saturday, July 25, 2026, to the rhythm of a match like no other. The 9th edition of the National Unified Football Championship (CNFU), organized by Special Olympics Senegal, brought together young athletes with intellectual disabilities for a day themed: "Inclusive Youth, a Future of Solidarity."

After 33 matches played across several regions of the country, the Mbour team once again confirmed its supremacy by winning its sixth national title against the Léopold Sédar Senghor team with a score of 2 goals to 0.

This competition format, which pairs athletes with intellectual disabilities with able-bodied partners on the field, not only breaks down social barriers but also redefines the concept of integration through sport. Driven by strong community support, the event brought together families, volunteers, and an enthusiastic public. The Senegalese Beverage Industry (IBS), an official partner of this initiative, was also present.

252 participants and ambitions for the Santiago 2027 World Games

According to Aziz Diop, the national football director for Special Olympics Senegal, this edition saw the participation of 252 athletes and unified partners. The competitions took place in several locations, including Kolda, Bignona, Ziguinchor, Kaolack, Mbour, and Dakar. "We are very satisfied with how this national championship went. Our athletes have made tremendous progress, both in terms of their mindset and their organization. We also witnessed genuine leadership among the unified partners recruited from schools," he said.

He was keen to praise the performance of the winning team: "Mbour has a very good team, with players who also play in the U23 and senior national teams. This shows the quality of the groundwork being done in this city."

On this occasion, the Mbour coach Djibril Diouf was elected best coach of the championship by his peers.

Beyond this national title, attention is now focused on the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago 2027. Aziz Diop announced the upcoming establishment of a selection camp: “We will very soon organize a training camp to finalize the roster that will represent Senegal in Santiago. With the support of the Directorate of Sports, we want to prepare for this event in the best possible conditions.”

A private-nonprofit partnership serving social inclusion

While thanking the official sponsor for its valuable support during this final phase, the manager recalled the budgetary challenges the organization faces, as the execution of the annual action plan has been hampered by financial constraints.

For his part, Insa Mané, a member of the CSR team at IBS (a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Senegal), gave a very positive assessment of this collaboration: “This is our third year of support, both financially and materially. IBS already supports several sports clubs, and we are happy to also support Special Olympics Senegal. These wonderful young people deserve to experience moments of happiness and fully benefit from inclusion. Sport must be a space where everyone finds their place, without distinction.”

The IBS representative reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining its support for projects with a strong social impact for Senegalese youth.