South Africa Shines at 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
South Africa’s athletes returned home in triumph from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, with an impressive haul of six medals. Competing against over 1,500 athletes from 100 delegations across eight sports, Team SA’s performance was a moment of national pride and celebration.
A heartfelt welcome ceremony was held at OR Tambo International Airport, where Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) Chairperson Mathews Phosa praised the team’s historic achievement. “We are overwhelmed, we are moved, and we are proud to stand in front of you. You are an incredible team and with immense pride, we welcome you home,” Phosa declared.
For the first time in South Africa’s history at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, every single athlete who competed returned with a medal—a gold, three silver, and two bronze. Phosa emphasized the significance of this feat: “For the first time ever, every single athlete who represented our nation at the Winter World Games has brought home a medal. This has never happened at any sporting festival, never.”
Team SA’s Medallists:
- Gold: Naledi Hlalele (Figure Skating)
- Silver: Bianca Basson (Figure Skating), Kenneth Mokabo (Figure Skating), Shane Bentley (Short Track Speed Skating)
- Bronze: Tyrell Sykes (Figure Skating), Shirnel Swarts (Short Track Speed Skating)
Gold medallist Naledi Hlalele, who dominated in figure skating, expressed her delight at the unexpected victory. “It’s a big achievement to be acknowledged. I tried to not put pressure on myself, I had to stay calm. Having my team cheer for me helped,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting a gold medal, but all the hard work paid off.”
The team’s success was made possible through the support of various sponsors, including the National Lotteries Commission, Nike South Africa, Converse South Africa, Lahers Silkscreen, Tutone Communications, African Bank, and Gift of the Givers.
Coach Glenda Slabbert, who played a crucial role in guiding the athletes, expressed her pride. “It’s a great achievement for them. I’m just the coach, they are the ones who had to hold it together,” she said.
The Special Olympics movement is dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusion, sportsmanship, and personal growth. South Africa’s growing support for Special Olympics athletes was evident through the presence of representatives from the North West Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, and the Department of Education. Notably, the North West province will host the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Games, further cementing the nation’s commitment to these athletes.
South Africa’s 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games campaign stands as a testament to the dedication, talent, and perseverance of the country’s athletes, inspiring future generations to reach for their dreams on the global stage.
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