Annual Special Olympic Summer Games held in Polokwane
The Special Olympic Summer Games was hosted at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, where disabled athletes proved what amazing things they are capable of.
POLOKWANE – Over 700 athletes from nine provinces converged at the Peter Mokaba Stadium from November 17-18 to compete in the Special Olympic Summer Games.
The athletes competed on the track and field, in aquatics, basketball, bocce, football, futsal, netball, table tennis and ten pin bowling.
The event was used to celebrate and commemorate National Disability Rights Awareness Month which is celebrated annually between November 3 and December 3.
Sport MEC Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana said through the event they wanted to give special athletes an opportunity to prove their mettle and showcase their talent beyond their disabilities.
“Through the games we wanted to empower persons with disabilities through resourceful, sustainable and safe environments and we were able to achieve that. The people of Limpopo supported the talented sport personalities and they were able to witness the talent and abilities displayed in various sporting codes.”
Social Development MEC Nandi Ndalane said they demonstrated great talent, skills, endurance and they have proved what they are capable of.
Special Olympics president and managing director of Africa Region, Charles Nyambe said: “As the organisation we are aware of the abilities of the athletes. The challenge in South Africa and Africa is getting governments and society to challenge their preconceived notions around intellectual disability.”
