Launched in February 2023, the ‘Adopt an Athlete’ campaign will help raise much-needed funds in support of the 2023 Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) National Team.
The team will represent the country at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany from 17 – 25 June 2023.
Including the games that will welcome 7,000 Special Olympic athletes and Unified partners from approximately 170 countries to compete in 24 sports. The field will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.
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Bryan Habana, who is recognised as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, believes in the power of sport and its positive impact amongst society. Therefore, this partnership will aid in the empowerment of those athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“The MATCHKIT platform is unique in its ability to connect athletes with both their fans as well as organisations. The MATCHKIT team looks forward to helping raise awareness and drive funds, via our Adopt an Athlete campaign and consider it our honour to fully support Special Olympics South Africa and all those athletes set to represent our country at the Summer World Games,” said Bryan.
The approximated cost per athlete to compete in the World Games is a sizable R40 000. The funds raised will thus contribute to covering expenses including travel, training camps, sports / casual attire, sport equipment and daily stipends for the athletes.
“The 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team is thrilled to partner with MATCHKIT,”said Ancilla Smith, CEO of Special Olympics South Africa. “Their expertise and commitment to sports and inclusion will be invaluable to our athletes, and we look forward to working together to create a more inclusive world through sports. For world-class athlete Bryan Habana and his team to support those athletes with an intellectual disability is a hugely powerful statement of both inclusion and advocacy, sending a strong message that those athletes with intellectual disabilities are equally deserving of respect, recognition and support. By lending his voice and expertise to our National Team, Habana will help to break down barriers and promote greater understanding of intellectual disabilities in sports and in fact society at large.”
Shaka Sisulu of MatchKit added that by visiting the platform, corporates and regular South Africans alike can engage, be involved and impact the lives of our Special Olympians.
“It is an unfortunate reality for many South African athletes that one cannot sit back and wait for assistance from the powers that be – instead we call on our every day active citizens to back our superstars on the global stage, in their quest for recognition, participation, growth and ultimately a podium finish. We call on our communities to join hands, support this campaign and be the difference.”
The ‘Adopt an Athlete’ campaign is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute to the costs of getting the 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team to the World Games In Germany. SOSA and MATCHKIT encourage everyone to join hands and support this campaign.