WITH ONLY weeks to go before the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games kick-off, Special Olympics SA, earlier this year launched “”Adopt an Athlete” campaign to help raise the much needed funds.
The funds would help with the team to get to World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.
Although the team does get funding from Government and other organisations, its never enough for the disabled teams- that comprises of males and females.
The “Adopt an Athlete” campaign was created by SOSA in 2016 to help raise funds for international participation for their athletes.
The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sporting event that acts as a catalyst for inclusion building a lasting legacy of improved health, education, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
“We have successfully implemented our “Adopt an Athlete” campaign for the last two World Games and the support from corporates and individuals has helped us to ensure that our national teams are able to compete and represent SA with pride on a global stage, ” says SOSA CEO, Ancilla Smith.
“It is an ongoing struggle to get the recognition and funding that our athletes deserve and we are incredibly grateful to the corporates and individuals that stepped up so far to support the 2023 Special Olympics National Team. Our athletes will be competing against 7000 athletes from over 180 countries and we know that they will do us proud,” says Smith.
SOSA is grateful from the following for their support:
Rossimoda (via Sole Agents) – providing bespoke Team branded tracksuits
African Bank – Adopted 5 Athletes
SOSA Chairperson Dr Mathews Phosa – Adopted 2 Athletes
Stabus – Adopted 2 Athletes
The Booth Group Foundation – Adopted 2 Athletes
Duma Collective – Adopted 1 Athlete
Amtronix Diagnostics – Adopted 1 Athlete
Intercape – Adopted 1 Athlete
Kool-a-Chem – Providing Novelty Items
Gift of the Givers – Providing Toiletries and other support
The Sneaker Shack – Running a sneaker donation drive for the National team and other Special Olympics Athletes
Lahers – Providing T-Shirts
“With a medal tally of 35 Gold, 15 Silver and 12 Bronze from our last World Games we know that our athletes can, and will, succeed when given the opportunity,” says Smith.
The games in Berlin will be broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing athletic performance and highlighting stereotype-defying stories – changing minds and opening hearts through transformational inclusion.
Approximate cost per athlete to compete in the World Games is R40 000.
This nominal amount will cover training camps, sports/casual attire, sport equipment, toiletries and all other needs for the team.
Corporates and individuals keen to assist can either make a financial contribution via link below https://www.backabuddy.co.za/The-Road-to-Berlin-2023 or contact info@specialolympics.org.za
