“Adopt an Athlete”: Supporting Special Olympics South Africa National Team’s Journey to Berlin 2023

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The 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany, is set to be the world’s largest inclusive sporting event, with over 7000 athletes from 190 countries participating. Among the participants will be the Special Olympics South Africa National Team, which will represent the country at the Games. The team was selected during the Special Olympics South Africa National Games in Polokwane.

The Special Olympics South Africa National Team aims to replicate its incredible success at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in the United Arab Emirates, where it won 35 Gold, 15 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals. Despite their remarkable achievements, Special Olympics South Africa’s athletes receive the least support. Special Olympics South Africa’s Chairperson, Dr Mathews Phosa, notes that it is time to change the narrative, not just in terms of funding but also in terms of recognition.

The cost for each athlete to attend the World Games is about R 40 000, a significant amount for most athletes who come from impoverished circumstances. Special Olympics South Africa ensures that it provides everything that the athletes need to represent the country with pride, including toiletries, underwear, official playing kit, and equipment. The organisation relies on corporates and the public to “Adopt an Athlete,” a campaign that has successfully raised funds for the past three World Games.

The “Adopt an Athlete” campaign aims to raise the necessary funds for the Special Olympics South Africa National Team to participate in the World Games in Berlin. The athletes of Special Olympics South Africa continue to prove that when given the opportunity, they can and will succeed. However, they cannot do it without support. Special Olympics South Africa’s CEO, Ms Ancilla Smith, calls upon all sectors of society to help the athletes get up onto the winners’ podiums in Berlin, where they belong.

Individuals or companies unable to cover the full cost of an athlete’s participation can still contribute through the Back a Buddy campaign. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these athletes.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/The-Road-to-Berlin-2023

The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is an opportunity to showcase athletic performance and highlight stereotype-defying stories. The Games will broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide, changing minds and opening hearts through transformational inclusion.

The Special Olympics World Games act as a catalyst for inclusion, building a lasting legacy of improved health, education, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Special Olympics South Africa’s National Team is an embodiment of the celebration of diversity and ability, and their journey to Berlin deserves our support.

Let us support Special Olympics South Africa’s National Team in their quest for recognition and support, let us help them realise their dreams of representing the country with pride, let us be part of building a lasting legacy of inclusion. Adopt an athlete today and join the journey to Berlin 2023!

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