Picture: Athletes who represented SA at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany
By OBAKENG MAJE
Athletes who represented South Africa at the Special Olympics World Games had lunch with present Cyril Ramaphosa at Union Buildings, Pretoria on Tuesday. Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.
“Competing against 7000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany in June 2023, the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
“Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said the success of the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that they leave no one behind.
He added that South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society.
“Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of the government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, we express pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom,” said Ramaphosa.
He said Team South Africa are heroes that they can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in the country. Ramaphosa said may their commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team.
“The team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the team is being led by the Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.
“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.
“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said.
The Guardian 