The council aims to position young leaders to play an active role in the execution of Special Olympics programming at global, regional, national, and local levels. For the next two-year term, two young South Africans have been chosen as members to represent Africa. 

Zamangwe Mazibuko joins Yolanda Maartens to challenge you to live life without limits and to share her journey within the Special Olympics team and GYLC.

“By increasing our youth’s capacity through meaningful leadership roles, this diverse group of young people with and without intellectual disabilities are coming together to conceptualise, design, and lead initiatives to support Special Olympics youth work worldwide.”

Zamangwe, GYLC member from South Africa, joined Special Olympics in 2021, inspired by its message of inclusion and dignity for all. 

Since then, she has participated in leadership training, volunteered at regional events, and supported youth-led initiatives that promote equity and empowerment through sports. 

Outside of Special Olympics, Zamangwe is actively involved in Scouts South Africa, where she holds youth leadership roles and contributes to local community development projects.

These experiences have strengthened her commitment to creating positive change and inclusive spaces. 

As a member of the GYLC, she hopes to help strengthen youth voices across Africa and create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to lead. She believes that when young people are given the opportunity to contribute, they can shape a brighter and more unified future for all.

Founded in 1991, Special Olympics South Africa is home to more than 45,000 talented athletes trained in 18 competitive sports. They provide year-round training for men, women, and children with intellectual disabilities. 

Their goal is to transform the lives of their athletes through the joy of sport and to transform the lives of their families and communities.

The global mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports.

Focus on 18 sports

Special Olympics South Africa offers training and competition in 18 individual and team sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The sports included are aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, soccer, speed skating, netball, golf, floor hockey, figure skating, open water swimming, table tennis, volleyball, ten-pin bowling, futsal, and the Young Athletes Programme.

They provide continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

An intellectual disability refers to an individual with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills. These include communication, social skills, and the ability to adequately care for his or her personal needs. An intellectual disability should not be confused with a physical disability.

Vision to change perceptions

The vision of Special Olympics South Africa is to transform how people view individuals with intellectual disabilities. They want to encourage and inspire South African communities to broaden their minds, to accept and to include people with intellectual disabilities. 

They use sport to dispel long-standing myths, change negative attitudes and create new opportunities to embrace and celebrate people with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s about celebrating our similarities, not our differences.”

Through participation, their athletes can develop physically, lead healthier lives, meet and make friends, and grow in confidence.

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