Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands - Friday, 13 March 2026: The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), in collaboration with the Oseta Jolly Primary School Special Needs Programme and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Kick for Inclusion Soccer Festival, an inclusive youth development event celebrating football as a powerful tool for fostering belonging, teamwork, and opportunity for children across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The festival embraced the philosophy of “sport for all,” ensuring that every participant had the opportunity to experience community, empowerment, and the joy of play in a supportive environment. A number of distinguished guests were present including Hon. Rachael Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism; Mrs. Sonia Fulford Missick, President of the TCIFA; and Ms. Olivia Yacé, Tourism Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire and 4th place winner of Miss Universe 2025. Their presence underscored the importance of leadership, international friendship, and youth upliftment through inclusive initiatives.
Minister of Education, Hon. Rachael Taylor, praised the initiative, stating, “Kick for Inclusion represents the very heart of our education and youth development goals. Every child deserves opportunities to participate, build confidence, and feel valued in their community. Events like this remind us that inclusion is not just a policy, it is a commitment we make to our children every day.”
The festival was organised by Ms. Tevyn Lewis of the Oseta Jolly Primary School Special Needs Programme and brought together six participating schools and a total of 116 students, alongside families, teachers, principals, volunteer coaches, and community partners. Ms. Tevyn Lewis expressed gratitude to the community for its support, “I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Department of Special Education Needs Services and our wider community. Together, we are creating pathways for children with special needs to thrive. I look forward to bringing more persons on board to amplify awareness and inclusion, ensuring every child can participate fully in all aspects of society.”
Sponsors and supporters included Seven Stars, the Patty Place, the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Let’s Move TCI, and Cheshire Hall FC, all of whom played an important role in making the event a success.
The programme aimed to provide inclusive opportunities for all children to learn, play, and shine, while reinforcing sportsmanship, teamwork, and togetherness.
The continued success of the Kick for Inclusion festival highlights the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government’s strong commitment to youth development and social inclusion through sport. The department encourages parents to have their child participate in the Special Needs Grassroots Programme, which takes place every Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
