THE ice rink glowed like a diamond under the dazzling lights of Turin’s Palavela arena. Six athletes from a land where winter sports were as foreign as snow in the Karoo stood poised at the edge, their green and gold uniforms blazing against the pristine white surface. The crowd fell silent as South African Naledi Hlalele glided to the centre of the rink, her face a canvas of determination and joy.
No one expected the magic that was about to unfold.
Naledi’s figure skating routine began with a gentle sway, but soon exploded into a series of jumps and spins that defied everything the European crowd thought possible from an African team. Her excellent moves left judges spellbound and competitors in awe. When her final spin concluded and she struck her pose – arms outstretched like a soaring eagle – the audience erupted. The scoreboard confirmed what everyone already knew: GOLD.
Hlalele is one of the athletes celebrated by Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) for a historic and triumphant return from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy. Inspired by Julius Caesar’s iconic words, “Veni, Vidi, Vici,” Team South Africa has left an indelible mark on the global stage, showcasing the power of inclusion and determination.
With the Games drawing to a close, Team SA’s Hlalele and five other athletes had achieved an extraordinary feat: every single team member has returned home as a medallist. Their inspiring performances have demonstrated not only their immense talent but also the unifying spirit of sports.
Medal Achievements
- Gold: Naledi Hlalele (Figure Skating)
- Silver: Bianca Basson (Figure Skating), Kenneth Mokabo (Figure Skating), Shane Bentley (Short Track Speed Skating)
- Bronze: Tyrell Sykes (Figure Skating), Shirnel Swarts (Short Track Speed Skating)
These victories highlight South Africa’s growing prominence in winter sports and the remarkable abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Support and Partnerships
Team SA’s journey to Turin was made possible through the unwavering support of the African Bank, which played a pivotal role in funding and empowering the team. Edna Montse, African Bank’s Group Executive for Transformation & Sustainability, stated:
“African Bank is proud to stand behind these incredible athletes. They embody resilience and excellence, and their success is a testament to the power of inclusion.”
Additional backing came from the National Lotteries Commission, Nike South Africa, Converse South Africa, Lahers Silkscreen, Tutone Communications, and Gift of the Givers. Representatives from the Northwest Department of Sports, Arts and Culture also attended as observers in preparation for hosting the 2026 SOSA National Games.
A Star-Studded Send-Off
The team’s send-off event in Johannesburg was graced by prominent figures such as UAE Ambassador Mahash Saeed AlHameli, football legend Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. Their presence underscored the national pride and support surrounding Team SA’s mission.
A Heroic Return
As Team South Africa prepares to return home on Monday, 17th March, the nation awaits with bated breath. OR Tambo International Airport will transform into a sea of green and gold, with throngs expected to welcome home the team that came, saw, and conquered against all odds.
Their medal count – one gold, three silver, and two bronze – tells only part of the story. The real victory lies in the barriers broken, the stereotypes shattered, and the dreams ignited in countless young South Africans who now see possibilities where once there were only limitations.
Dr Mathews Phosa, the Chairperson of SOSA, said: “These champions have scored a goal for all of Africa. They’ve shown that excellence knows no boundaries, no disabilities, and certainly no geographical limitations. They came not as underdogs but as warriors. They saw not obstacles but opportunities. They conquered not just podiums but prejudices. We came. We saw. We conquered. The story of Team South Africa at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games isn’t just history – it’s a new beginning.”
