Special Olympics gifts Limpopo’s Department of Health with global award

With a successful turnout of the annual Special Olympics South Africa National Games in Limpopo last year (2022), representatives of the organisation and Golisano Foundation expressed their gratitude towards the Department of Health for their contribution with a global award.

The Special Olympics South Africa National Games which reached its conclusion in December saw over a number of 700 hundred young talented and disabled athletes competing at a provincial level.

ALSO READ: Special Olympics South Africa takes on SPAR challenge

As stated by the CEO of the organisation, Ancilla Smith, the tournament as a whole will prepare the selected athletes to represent South Africa in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games that will be taken place in Berlin.

Based in Bryanston, the organisation held its annual national games in Limpopo and was delighted by the support of the Department of Health in Limpopo.

Ann Costello, Golisano Foundation executive director, who witnessed the majority of the tournament, gifted the department with the 2022 Golisano Health Leadership Award. This was done based on the efficient provision of healthcare to all the athletes who participated in the games.

ALSO READ: Special Olympics South Africa hosts walkathon to SUPERSPAR in Hobart

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the world have been marginalised for
generations; provided poor access to social, educational, and medical services. We partner with Special Olympics because they work to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities through preventive care, health screenings, training of health professionals, and strengthening of health systems in over 100 countries,” said Costello.

The 16th annual world games hosted in Berlin will commence on June 17.

ALSO READ: Special Olympics team celebrate their victories