Motivating send-off event held for Special Olympics South Africa athletes in Midrand
The send off was for six disabled athletes who are competing in the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy in March.
February 27 was a day not to be forgotten for the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) athletes as they were hosted to a lively send-off event at African Bank’s headquarters in Halfway House Estate, Midrand.
The six disabled athletes, and four coaches, are jetting off to Turin, Italy, for the Special Olympics World Winter Games from March 8–15.
The athletes are: Tyrell Sykes: male, figure skating, Bianca Basson: female, figure skating (level 1), Shirnel Swarts: female, short-track speed skating, Shane Bentley: male, short-track speed skating, Kenneth Mokabo: male, figure skating, and Naledi Hlalele: female, figure skating (level 1).
Read more: Poplar Academy partners with Totsgames to host a successful Mini Olympic Day for learners
SOSA provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
These initiatives offer athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share their achievements with their families and the broader community.
African Bank’s sponsorship plays a pivotal role in enabling SOSA to execute its programmes across all nine provinces, fostering greater participation and inclusivity in sports.
Also read: Acts House of Education learner excels at EMS Olympiad
Hlalele (21) said she was inspired to be going to Italy as this is her first international participation. “I am quite confident now. At first, I was a bit nervous, because it’s my first time doing this. It’s quite nerve-wracking, but now, I am confident. I feel like I am confident enough to come back with a gold. I tend to fall in the ring when I skate, but the coaches have worked with me, and the rest of the athletes, so that we can do it.”
She said a coach introduced her to the sport when she was about 15 years old, and she believes winning gold is do-able through Christ.
The team will compete in figure skating and short-track speed skating, aiming to replicate the incredible achievements of the 2017 South African National Team, which returned from the World Winter Games in Austria with 27 medals, including 16 gold.
Ancilla Smith, SOSA CEO, said they will depart on March 6 and expect to arrive in Turin on March 7. “But before that, we will go to the final camp on March 4, for final preparations and training. I think our athletes are ready and rearing to go. We’re hoping for six gold medals – six athletes – one each.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya asks for funds for legal fight
