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Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela greets members of the Special Olympics South Africa team during their "send-off" reception at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg on 12 June. [Photo by Julian Cole, Julian Cole Photography]
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Former South African President Nelson Mandela announced on 12 June that he intends to be a part of the excitement surrounding the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games, which are being held 21-29 June in Dublin. Mandela made the announcement as he welcomed the South Africa Special Olympics team for a send-off reception at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.
As part of his stay in Ireland, Mandela will attend the gala World Games Opening Ceremonies, which will be held on 21 June in Dublin’s spectacular Croke Park. U2, the Corrs and the largest Riverdance group ever assembled will be just some of the performers at the Opening Ceremonies. Over 7,000 athletes from over 150 countries will be competing in 21 Olympic-type sports and three demonstration sports at the World Games. They are expected to be the largest sporting event in the world this year.
Mandela has been actively involved with Special Olympics for several years, and most recently annnounced the partnership between Special Olympics and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The partnership has been created to promote understanding and acceptance among youth, both with and without disabilities. Through the introduction of Special Olympics Unified Sports® in South Africa, Mandela has been previously quoted as saying, “There is no doubt in my mind that the two organizations will transform our thinking and our institution with regards to mental disability.” |
