Sitha Maliwa
Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) is bursting with pride as it celebrates the remarkable achievements of its national team at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy. This event has highlighted not only the talent of Team South Africa but also the spirit of inclusion and perseverance that defines the Special Olympics movement.
As the Games come to a close, the efforts of the athletes have culminated in an impressive medal tally that showcases their exceptional skills on an international platform. All six members of Team SA returned home as medallists, emphasising their hard work and commitment to excellence.
GOLD Medal Winner: Naledi Hlalele (Figure Skating)
SILVER Medal Winners: Bianca Basson (Figure Skating) Kenneth Mokabo (Figure Skating) and Shane Bentley (Short Track Speed Skating)
BRONZE Medal Winners: Tyrell Sykes (Figure Skating) and Shirnel Swarts (Short Track Speed Skating)
The support for Team SA came from various quarters, notably African Bank, whose partnership with SOSA has played a crucial role in enabling the team to compete against over 70 countries. Edna Montse, Group Executive: Transformation & Sustainability at African Bank, remarked, “African Bank is a movement that was birthed out of a need for inclusion. We are proud to partner with Special Olympics South Africa and support Team SA as the bank for the people, by the people, serving the people. We have the audacity to believe in our Special Olympics athletes and back them!”
Support for the team was also evident from representatives of the Northwest Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Education, who attended as observers, considering that the Province will be the host for the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Games.
The SOSA 2025 National Team received further backing from several organisations, including the National Lotteries Commission, Nike South Africa, Converse South Africa, Lahers Silkscreen, Tutone Communications, and Gift of the Givers.
The send-off event for the SOSA National Team was a significant affair attended by dignitaries such as His Excellency Mahash Saeed AlHameli, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa; Siphiwe Tshabalala (SA football legend); Fortune Madlala (SABC News Sign Language Interpreter); and SOSA ambassadors like Desiree Ellis (Head Coach of Banyana Banyana) and Sbu Shongwe (SA TV presenter and DJ). Representatives from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Gift of the Givers, African Bank, the Gauteng Sports Confederation, and the Gauteng Office of the Premier were also present.
The triumph of Team SA will be celebrated on their return to South Africa on Monday, 17th March at 9:30 am. Everyone is invited to join in welcoming them back at OR Tambo International Airport. –@NewsSA