South Africa
Youth Leadership in Africa is Making News
Across Africa, young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities are stepping into the global spotlight and the world is paying attention. From Regional summits to global platforms, young Special Olympics leaders are not waiting for change; they are leading it.
2 Min Read
Empowering the Next Generation: Special Olympics Is Scaling Youth Leadership Globally
[Johannesburg, South Africa - 24 February 2026] Today, the Special Olympics Africa Regional Youth Leadership Summit kicked off in Johannesburg, bringing together youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build leadership skills and strengthen youth-led change across schools and communities.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger Valentino Vergotine Speaks at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin
“We have to focus on the invisible—the invisible challenges to health services and invisible people, like me.”
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Africa Region Uses Education to Expand Inclusive Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics is spotlighting the importance of sport and education in the Special Olympics Africa Region as it creates opportunities for those with and without intellectual disabilities to experience the benefits of sport as it pertains to health, well-being, and fitness.
3 Min Read
Mandela Day: Honoring a Legacy of Inclusion through Sport
This Mandela Day, Special Olympics celebrates the power of partnership and sport to drive lasting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
2 Min Read
Special Olympics and Nike Announce Three-Year Partnership
[July 14, 2025] Two global, inclusive sport leaders team up to strengthen Unified Sports coaching and increase access to sport
3 Min Read
Now Streaming on Kanopy
For the first time ever, Kanopy streams Special Olympics produced short documentaries.
1 Min Read
Shane's Journey of Determination to World Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
"Family Matters" with Special Olympics South Africa's Winter Games athlete Shane François Bentley
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read