South Africa will bring home multiple gold medals back from Berlin thanks to our Special Olympics superstar athletes.
Berlin, Germany (23 June, 2023) — The Special Olympics still have two days until the end of its season, and for South Africa, it’s already proven to be a season of gold thanks to the talented national team representing our country.
The Special Olympics World Games took off on 17 June, with South Africans touching down just a few days before to the warmest welcome.
A wonderful display of unity kickstarted the world’s most inclusive sporting event at the Opening Ceremony under the theme #UnbeatableTogether. A massive parade saw 176 delegations come together under the Unity mascot; a heart made of colourful hands. Each nation then poured water they’d brought from their homeland to fill a pool in the middle of the stage, symbolising the togetherness of the event.
Soon, it was time for the Games, and South Africa was more than ready for the challenge, earning gold medals left, right and centre.
Kamogelo Moncho earned the first gold for South Africa after winning the Men’s 5000 metre final—setting the tone for South Africa’s season of gold. Following Moncho, Cornelia Fowler added her gold victory for the ladies’ Open Water swim to the tally, soon to be joined by SA’s third gold medalist, Goitsemodimo Mosepele who took home gold for the 25m Freestyle in swimming.
Just when we thought we’d completed the assignment, Molekuhle Dube took South Africa over the gold edge, earning first place for his 100m Breaststroke. Wynand Swanepoel then gave South Africa yet another moment of pride, earning silver for Bocce—Individual.
Considering the Special Olympics isn’t even over yet, we couldn’t be more proud of our athletes and can’t wait for their homecoming.
Meanwhile, two other athletes who recently returned to South Africa as Roland Garros history-makers are Kgothatso Montjane and Donald Ramphadi.
by 