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The Special Olympics South Africa National Team has done the country proud, landing back in Johannesburg with a record haul of medals from the Special Olympics Summer World Games held in the United Arab Emirates.
The global event, which featured 7 500 athletes from more than 190 countries, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 14 to 21 March.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) sponsored the team with over R1-million to offset the costs for 30 athletes to compete at the event.
Team South Africa, which comprised 71 athletes, earned 35 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals – the highest tally of medals ever for the national squad, which competed in football, fustal (five-a-side female soccer) table tennis, equestrian, bocce, open-water swimming, athletics and golf.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Communications Manager of Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region, Minesh Bhagaloo, said, “We are extremely proud of the South African National Team and their superb achievements this year,” adding, “It is a privilege to be associated with the Special Olympics, and to have made it possible for these athletes to attend the games and shine on the international stage.”
According to Bhagaloo, “That they managed to bring home a record number of medals is the icing on the cake for these athletes, along with the life-changing experiences they gained and friendships made along the way.”
The Special Olympics South Africa said that the Special Olympics World Games use sport as a catalyst to create opportunities for athletes to be defined by their abilities rather than their disabilities.
In addition to sports competition, the 2019 World Games featured inspiring non-sports activities and programs, including Unified Sports experiences, free Healthy Athletes screenings, a Global Youth Summit, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Special Olympics will soon be featured on SuperSport.
