South Africa’s Special Olympics National Team has returned home to a hero’s welcome. This after an extraordinary performance recently at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. The team won 22 Gold medals, 20 Silver and 7 Bronze medals. This placed them among the top contenders in the competition. At the same time, it reinforced their status as true champions.
Special Olympics National Team
President Cyril Ramaphosa will also receive them at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The chairperson for Special Olympics South Africa, Mathews Phosa, has expressed his pride in the team’s remarkable success. He said, “Our athletes’ remarkable achievements have ignited a sense of pride and unity throughout South Africa.”
Phosa added, “By showcasing their abilities, they have shattered misconceptions surrounding intellectual disabilities. This helps to foster a more inclusive society.
“This outstanding medal tally not only celebrates their sporting achievements but also serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities across our nation,” he added.
Who made the trip possible?
The Special Olympics South African National Team tour to Berlin was sponsored by the National Lotteries Commission, the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, African Bank, Phosa Legacy, Sole Agents, the Booth Foundation, Stabus, the Duma Collective, Sedgars, On Point PR, Total Exposure, Stadium Sports, Gift of the Givers, Intercape, Studio 88, Amtronix, Kool-a-Sun and Lahers.
READ MORE: Previous Olympic results
The success of the Special Olympics South Africa National Team serves as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the athletes, coaches, families, and the entire support system. Their accomplishments at the Special Olympics World Games represent a triumph of the human spirit and exemplify the values of determination, courage, and excellence.
An amazing achievement
The achievements of these remarkable athletes go beyond the medal count. They are a testament to the transformative power of sports and its positive impact on individuals and communities. Through their accomplishments, the Special Olympics South Africa National Team has sparked conversations that challenged societal perceptions and paved the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance.
Special Olympics South Africa is committed to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their abilities, promote inclusion, and advocate for a more inclusive society. Through the power of sports, they continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and provide a platform for individuals to reach their full potential.
What is the Special Olympics?
The Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. Through work in sports, health, education, and community building, Special Olympics is tackling inactivity, intolerance, isolation, and injustice that people worldwide face, especially people with intellectual disabilities.
MORE ABOUT: Special Olympics South Africa
