The Chilean Olympic Committee has signed a deal with Special Olympics Chile ©COCH

The Chilean Olympic Committee (COCH) has signed a deal with Special Olympics Chile to help athletes with intellectual disabilities gain access to sport.

As part of the deal, Special Olympics coaches will be given education to become certified so they can access training and clinics.

COCH President Miguel Ángel Mujica declared his organisation would serve as a collaborating institution of the Special Olympics for the next four years.

The deal will help athletes with intellectual disabilities ©COCH
The deal will help athletes with intellectual disabilities ©COCH

"This agreement is very important for the Chilean Olympic Committee due to our high social commitment," he said. 

"In this way, athletes with cognitive disabilities will be able, among other things, to train and better prepare for their competitions and new sports challenges, thus reinforcing our commitment to inclusion."

Carolina Picasso, President of Special Olympics Chile, added: "This important step generates great opportunities for Special Olympics in favour of people with intellectual disabilities, and contributes to raising awareness, overcoming prejudices and promoting inclusion."