Special Olympics team celebrate their victories

Special Olympics South Africa, based in Bryanston, has proudly released their final medal total from the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in the United Arab Emirates.

The Games took place from 14 to 21 March in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has been hailed as the biggest sporting and humanitarian event in the world. Over 7 500 athletes from 190 countries participated and Team South Africa did not disappoint. The team returned with 35 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze setting a new record for Special Olympics South Africa.

Special Olympics South Africa CEO, Ancilla Smith, said, “Before we left I remarked in a number of interviews that I was confident that we would beat our last gold medal count of 15. This was the largest World Games ever with the highest number of participants so I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but as usual, our national team excelled.”

Getting the National Team to the Olympics was no small task for the organisation as Special Olympics South Africa is a non-profit and relies on grants and sponsorship to maintain its operations. The organisation currently serves over 50 000 athletes across South Africa. A grant had been received from the National Lotteries Commission to support some of the costs for the team but further support was needed.

In order to raise the necessary funds, the organisation launched the #backourteam campaign and asked corporates and others to ‘Adopt an athlete’. Fortunately, the call was heard by a number of companies such as Ford SA who sponsored a record 30 athletes, Netstar, The UAE embassy to South Africa, DIY Depot and Alexander Forbes among others. A number of other companies assisted by providing necessary items for the team and Sedgars Sports, a long-time supporter of Special Olympics South Africa provided assistance with kit and apparel.

For the Special Olympics athletes that represented this country through their achievement went way beyond receiving medals. The Special Olympics World Games provides a platform for Special Olympics athletes to rise above typical stereotypes and daily exclusion by using sports as a catalyst to create an opportunity for athletes to be defined by their abilities rather than their disabilities.

Dr Mathews Phosa, chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa was on hand to greet the team on their return and said, “Each and every one of you represents something far greater than any medal and mere sporting achievement, both in this country and in fact, throughout the world. You prove to the world and to those who would continue to try and undermine you that people with an intellectual disability can and will succeed if they are given the opportunity.”

Special Olympics South Africa is already gearing up to send our next National Team to represent South Africa at the 2021 Special Olympics Winter Games in Sweden.

Details: Special Olympics South Africa 011 706 3323.

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