'You are heroes' - Ramaphosa celebrates Special Olympics team

Ramaphosa hosted the team at the Union Buildings on Tuesday.

The team brought home 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.

Ramaphosa said the interaction with team South Africa is part of his ongoing commitment to encourage and celebrate excellence among South Africa’s sports women and men.

"We are extremely proud that Team South Africa competed and achieved so well as individual competitors and teams.

"Competing against 7,000 athletes from over 180 countries they returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.

"Their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their sport have not only brought glory to our nation but have also shattered the barriers that once confined them.

"And we are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.

"Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country," said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said the African region also recognised chairperson Dr Mathews Phosa for his many years of service to the Special Olympics movement.

"Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no-one behind.

"And it is your success in Berlin that has brought you to the Union Buildings today, where all of us are excited to meet our stars in person and to celebrate.

"May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team."

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