BAL and Special Olympics showcase power of inclusive sport in SA

The collaboration between BAL and Special Olympics South Africa continues to highlight the unifying power of sport, as the two federations host the third unified celebrity match which features twelve Special Olympics athletes alongside celebrities and BAL players in the third quarter of the first game.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, CEO of Special Olympics, Ancilla Smith says the federation is excited about the long-standing collaboration with Basketball Africa League in showcasing the power of sport to create inclusion and acceptance.

“So we’re very excited. This is our third year collaborating with the BAL and Special Olympics in South Africa. We are very excited today to be hosting our third unified celebrity match in the third quarter of the first game today,” said Smith

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“We have twelve Special Olympics athletes, a number of celebrities and some of the BAL players participating in a unified recreational event just to show the power of sport to create inclusion and acceptance on the ground. 

“We are very excited about this partnership, but it’s a long-standing partnership between the NBA and Special Olympics International.”

She added that historically, the Special Olympics and NBA have shared a long relationship, with the latter supporting the organisation through various Basketball Without Borders and Basketball Cares initiatives. 

Yesterday was also recognised as Special Olympics Day, and Smith indicated what it means to celebrate this milestone at BAL at SunBet Arena.

“What we as Special Olympics try and put across and create awareness about is the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities in South Africa and to have them come centre stage on a weekend like this during moments when people are reflecting on their lives, reflecting on their faith and honestly, what better way to have that reflection than by looking at issues around inclusion and acceptance of everybody.”

Smith revealed that the twelve athletes participating in the BAL exhibition match come from the Special Olympics Basketball League in Alexander, as well as athletes from Gracewell Secondary School, which is one of the Special Olympics registered special needs schools, and they will be participating along with celebrities such as RobotBoii and Kim Jayde and a number of BAL players.