POISED FOR SUCCESS At a send-off event for the six Team SA athletes at an event in Midrand, the team and its management were honoured as they prepare to travel to Turin, Italy, for the winter games which will run from March 8 to 16. Picture: Michael Sherman/Independent Media
Image: Michael Sherman/Independent Media
Special Olympics SA (Sosa) on Thursday announced a three-year partnership with African Bank.
At a send-off event for the six Team SA athletes at an event in Midrand, the team and its management were honoured as they prepare to travel to Turin, Italy, for the winter games which will run from March 8 to 16.
Also in attendance at the event was SA Deputy Minister Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, Ms.
Letsike said: You are carrying a South African flag. Carrying it with pride. Carrying it in memory. You are representing all of us.
“The 63 million to be precise. You are not just presenting yourselves. You are carrying the 63 million South Africans, we're really behind you. Sports is not just a game. It's something that brings us together. And you are going to participate internationally. You are going to bring the world together.
“South Africans are winners. Go out there, have fun. Don't just play the game. Have fun doing it. Be proud and know that we are behind you. Come back with those medals.”
Sosa chief executive Ancilla Smith said: “To have our Special Olympics national team being recognised, first and foremost, is just phenomenal. Again, you know, the awareness of intellectual disability in South Africa is low.
“When people think of disability, they immediately focus on a physical disability. So to see these athletes starting to be recognised and this population starting to be recognised is incredible for us. But also for these athletes to be hosted by an institution like African Bank.
“And to know that they are seen by an organisation like African Bank. And for them it is life changing. And then of course the partnership with African Bank. It is life changing not for just these six athletes, but for 57,000 athletes across South Africa that we represent.”
South Africa squad: 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, Naledi Hlalele – Female, Figure Skating (Level 1).
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