Alex at Special Olympics forum

Alexandra’s name graced the world scene recently at the Special Olympics’ Global Youth Leadership Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics which uses sport, health, education and leadership programmes to end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities.

South Africa was represented by Alexandra’s own Wanga Manyala, Sinalo Mkrozwana, Juliana Mbhele and Waki Mbuthia. The four joined 120 other worldwide youth leaders and 100 adult leaders to develop projects to create more inclusive communities in their home countries.

In a statement, Special Olympics South Africa said the event was part of the Special Olympics movement’s 50-year plan to promote youth engagement through worldwide school-based initiatives called unified schools programmes and the development of the unified generation, in which young people with and without intellectual disability unite through inclusive sport and leadership.

The participants will be expected on their return to create inclusive sports and leadership projects for 8 500 youths in 250 new unified schools and clubs globally. The projects will be funded by the Special Olympics Youth Innovation Grant initiative.

Details: Special Olympics South Africa 011 706 3323.