Celebrating Unity, Inclusion on International Day of People with Disability

Special Olympics South Africa together with the Limpopo Provincial Government today announced that the province will host the esteemed Special Olympics Summer National Games 2022 in Limpopo Province.

Launching the partnership, the festivities will officially kick off on the International Day of People Living with Disability (IDPWD) with a Unified Tournament and Parade that will hosted by the Limpopo this coming Friday, 3^rd December 2021 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 10h00.

The Unified Parade led by the honourable Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha and the Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa Dr Mathews Phosa, will see various athletes, community members, local media and well known Special Olympic SA Ambassadors / Celebrities participate. Post formalities, the day will conclude with a Unified Soccer Tournament with various athletes and sport celebrities.

“As a Province, we are honoured to host this important event of Special Olympics Summer National Games which coincide with the commemoration of International Day of People living with Disabilities. This is also a true reflection that persons with disabilities are special and can live a normal and healthy life as well. It’s our collective effort as society and government to ensure Disability Rights Awareness (DRAM) is a reality”, said Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

Dr Mathews Phosa, the Chairperson of Special Olympic South Africa, added, ‘This truly is a very momentous occasion for all South Africans and more so for our own great Special Olympic athletes. Not only will this day celebrate a unified and inclusive society with all the activities happening today, but this partnership will spearhead additional growth for various sports programmes in the province and will forge clearer understanding of the work done in the province by SOSA. Looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as we kick off the Road to the National Summer Games next year and grow sport in the province.’

The event taking place later this week, will serve as the official passing of the Flame of Hope to the province, as the two organisations kicks off the Road to the Games in the province.

Esteemed Guests include:

• Sports greats Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Desiree Ellis
• Paralympics medallist Sherly James
• TV Personality Sbu Shongwe
• Ex Bafana Bafana player Katlego Mphela
• TV Actor Kay Sibiya
• Media Personality / TV Actor Wiseman Zitha
• Motivation speaker Lynn Forbes
• Mrs Universe south Africa Melody Zondo

Due to on-going concerns around the Covid pandemic, the event unfortunately will be closed to the public but will be live streamed on the Special Olympics South African YouTube channel. Members of the media are invited to cover the proceedings.

December 01, 2021