NDSAC, NDWYPD, SOSA Collaborate to Ensure 2023 Special Olympics National Team Receives Public Send-Off

Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive sports and communities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (NDSAC) has been a strong supporter of SOSA since the 2022 Special Olympics South Africa National Games held in Limpopo Province in November 2022.

Under the esteemed leadership of the Honourable Minister of Sport, Mr Ncediso Goodenough Kodwa, the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, has shown unwavering dedication to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Minister Kodwa will be demonstrating his commitment by joining the South African National Team at the prestigious 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

This momentous occasion will also coincide with the inaugural meeting of the Special Olympics Global Coalition, where Minister Kodwa will participate, further reinforcing the commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities on a global scale. This meeting will serve as a platform for global collaboration, sharing best practices, and devising strategies to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The ground-breaking collaboration between the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (NDSAC), the National Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (NDWYPD), and Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) to showcase the 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team signifies a significant step forward in realizing the vision of an inclusive society, where individuals with intellectual disabilities can thrive and showcase their incredible abilities through sports. By joining forces, these organizations aim to create a lasting impact and inspire positive change in communities across the country.

The support extended by various provincial departments, including the Provincial Departments of Sport and Education in the North West Province, the Department of Sport in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Departments of Education in the Eastern Cape and the Free State, has been instrumental in ensuring the successful participation of the 2023 Special Olympics National Team in the World Games. These provincial departments have shown their dedication to inclusive sports and providing opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

SOSA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable N.G. Kodwa, the Minister of Sport, the Honourable Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma , the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, and the supporting provincial departments for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support in making the dreams of Special Olympics athletes a reality.

A send-off for the 2023 Special Olympics National Team will take place at OR Tambo International Airport on the 11^th June at 4pm

June 09, 2023