Johannesburg, South Africa – Six South African athletes are set to represent the nation at the highly anticipated 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. The international multi-sport event, held every four years, is the largest sporting platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The official send-off for Team SA took place in Johannesburg, marking a historic return to the Winter Games after an eight-year break due to COVID-19 and global conflicts.
Aiming for Gold in Italy
South Africa’s last appearance at the 2017 Austria Games was a massive success, with the team bringing home 16 gold, four unified gold, two silver, and five bronze medals.
Figure Skating Coach Glenda Slabbert is thrilled to finally compete again after the long delay.
"We are going to come back with gold! That will be our standard in Italy. I don’t know where we will sleep, but we hope we sleep in an ice rink so we can train every day," she said confidently.
Meet the Athletes
The six athletes have been rigorously training at an ice rink in Northgate, Johannesburg, preparing for figure skating and speed skating events.
Speed skater Shirnel Swarts is excited about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"I am free, I am happy, I am excited to go overseas and represent my country because it’s your opportunity, it’s your life, it’s your goal, and you must go for it. Don’t look back!"
Figure skater Naledi Hlalele, who transitioned from speed skating, shared her journey.
"I had to start from scratch, learning the basics again. Speed skating and figure skating are very different, especially with all the dancing, but I am improving," she explained.
South Africa’s Medal Hopes
With months of intense training and previous success on the global stage, Team SA is determined to bring home more gold medals from Italy. The athletes will compete against the world’s best, showcasing their talent and resilience.
The 12th edition of the Special Olympics World Winter Games promises to be an unforgettable event, and all eyes will be on Team South Africa as they chase glory on the ice.
