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Special Olympics team leaves for World games

Special olympics team farewell PIC: NCHIDZI MASENDU
Special olympics team farewell PIC: NCHIDZI MASENDU

A special occasion was made for the sending off of the Special Olympics Botswana (SOB) team that is set to compete at the World Games taking place in Berlin, Germany from June 17-25.

Special Olympics Botswana has been taking part in the Games since 1987. SOB is a year-round activity for persons with intellectual disability.

The Botswana Special Olympics Team will be among the 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from approximately 190 countries participating at the 2023 Special Olympics World games.

The Speaking at the send-off ceremony, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) board member, Dr Khaulani Fichani pointed out that the athletes will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

“The Special Olympic World Games offer the athletes the opportunity of exciting and inspiring competitions that unite the world, like no other event. People with and without disabilities, people of different nations, cultures, political views and religions meet to overcome existing prejudices with the power of sport,” he said. Fichani also appreciated the government of Botswana for enabling the team to travel to the games and other sponsors such as Boseja Stores, Eyelight Optometrist and Palm Media Solutions for their contributions towards the team’s merchandise.

“We thank the schools and coaches for facilitating training under difficult circumstances when sporting activities have been suspended. We extend our gratitude to the parents for allowing their children not only to participate in sport and to travel to Berlin and compete,” he said.

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