Cell C Sharks honour those with autism on Human Rights Day
The Cell C Sharks will play their next Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in honour of those with autism this Human Rights Day.
THE Cell C Sharks will play their next Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in honour of those with autism this Human Rights Day, Saturday 21 March.
Autism is the fastest-growing neurodevelopmental disability in the world. It is estimated that two percent of the South African population is living with autism – approximately one million people. It is for this reason that Autism South Africa partnered with the Cell C Sharks and Ashton International College to raise much-needed awareness for autism on an international platform.
Sandy Usswald, national director for Autism South Africa, said they were thrilled to have the Cell C Sharks play in support of all those with autism.
Autism South Africa is the national awareness, empowerment, training and advocacy organisation for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in South Africa. The organisation works tirelessly to realise a society where all people with ASD have full participation as equal members of the community.
“Raising awareness for this neurodevelopmental disability is not an easy feat. Partnerships such as this go a long way in ensuring South Africans are sensitised towards the plight of those with autism. We truly applaud the Sharks team for helping us achieve this,” explained Usswald.
This incredible showing of solidarity from the Cell C Sharks comes just weeks before the international autism community commemorates World Autism Awareness Day. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April World Autism Day in December 2007, giving organisations around the world a chance to unite and give a voice to millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.
One way for everyone to get involved is to support the international Shine a Light on Autism campaign. Through this campaign, international heritage sites and monuments shine blue in support of autism awareness. Last year the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, the US Embassy, University of the Free State and Sasol headoffice all shone blue in support of the campaign.
This year, the Voortrekker Monument, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Nelson Mandela Square and Naval Hill in Bloemfontein, among others, will join the campaign. Ordinary South Africans are invited to be ambassadors for a day and wear blue.
You can show your support by wearing blue to the Kings Park Stadium on Saturday or around the braai with your friends.
