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South Africa

Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter Games

If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read

Leaving Low Expectations Behind: Meet Shirnel

Shirnel Swarts is a bright light wherever she shines—and she’s been shining a lot lately. A talented athlete, Shirnel is excited to be training for her second Special Olympics World Winter Games!
1 Min Read

Fostering Inclusion: Launch of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools

The launch of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS) Project in South Africa marked a historic moment in the nation's journey towards fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
3 Min Read

President Cyril Ramaphosa recognizes exceptional 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team

Today, on 3 October, in an historic moment of recognition, the 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team received a profound honor as His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, warmly welcomed them to a special ceremony hosted at the iconic Union Buildings in Pretoria.
2 Min Read

A Life Pace

Special Olympics Athlete Kamogelo Moncho, 28, South Africa, is bringing home a gold medal in the men's 5000m and a bronze medal in the 1500m but it is the sport itself that brings him the most pride.
1 Min Read

4,000 Special Olympics South Africa Athletes Receive Internship Opportunities

The goal is to address the challenge of unemployment in South Africa through grant funding and forming relationships with public, private, and civil society organizations on projects that will significantly contribute to job creation.
2 Min Read

Opportunity Created for South African Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities

South Africans with intellectual disabilities face challenges many of their counterparts in other nations do not.
1 Min Read

World Inclusion Day 2021

Jimmy Masina and Lou Lauria discuss Special Olympics federation partnerships and the being an athlete official.
1 Min Read

From Athlete Leader to Fitness Leader: Meet Banele

Banele is an athlete, basketball and athletics coach with a passion for helping others stay fit, even during a pandemic.
1 Min Read

Coaching Sports and Life Skills

Moeti Clement Sethunya takes a well-rounded approached to coaching football (soccer) and floor hockey at Special Olympics South Africa using it as a building block to athlete employment.
1 Min Read