Who needs a Greek Myth when you have a real-life Olympiad right here in South Africa? Meet Sinothando Adonis, the Special Olympics star inspiring people to rally for vulnerable communities:
Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa (24 July, 2023) — South Africa has its own Adonis and she’s giving new meaning to the name famously chiselled into Greek mythology. Our Adonis, Sinothando Adonis also happens to be an Olympian, but her impact on sport and society is a lot more inspiring than any surface-level attributes.
Recently, Sinothano shone at the Special Olympics held in Berlin, Germany where she brought home the bronze from the Tennis World Games. There, she also placed 4th in the same Games for her Table Tennis powers (Team South Africa brought home a treasure chest of 49 medals in total!).
Over just a handful of years Sinothando Adonis a Lonwabo Special School student, has risen to a place where she’s looked up to in her province and the world is getting to know her full name in bold.
Qualifying for the Special Olympics saw Sinothando claim gold in the Special Olympics South Africa in Limpopo circa 2022 and before that in 2019, she earned gold in ‘Sports for the Disabled’—a moment that put the young star’s skills on the map.
Recently, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality leadership honoured her return from Berlin. It was a moment when higher-ups recognised what moments of victory mean for the intellectually disabled community.
Of Sinothando’s shining moments, Mayor Gary van Niekerk shared:
“You have made this Metro extremely proud and I believe you will continue to reach many more [accolades] in this sport.”
At the same event, donations were passed on to other vulnerable organisations from the government and its private partners. Sinothando’s achievements inspired the municipality’s leadership to address the need to find more sponsorship opportunities for her as well as more of a razor focus on empowering centres that help vulnerable communities.
Unlike the Greek myth, Sinothando’s legend is not about vanity. Alongside other Special Olympics champions, she is part of the conversation that says there is room for everyone to achieve. She’s also one of many who are the wind in the sails that might redirect more powers that be to broaden their focus in making this inclusive dream possible.
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