Hearts are still racing after the gripping finale that saw the Division 1 teams battle for glory in the final matches at the T-Mobile District Arena in San Juan Puerto Rico. After three exciting days and 94 intense matches, the Special Olympics Angola women’s team has emerged as champions of the first-ever Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup 2025. Special Olympics Angola claimed the crown after a hard-fought victory over Special Olympics Uruguay, with a score of 9-4.
The first Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup brought together nearly 200 athletes, dignitaries, artists and fans for an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture and inclusivity. This historic event, organized by Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Puerto Rico, unites basketball players with and without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified partners, from countries around the world. Modeled after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup™, the Cup featured three days of fast-paced 3×3 competition, with 19 men’s and 17 women’s teams demonstrating the true meaning of sporting excellence and inclusive basketball.
These global teams put months of preparation, heart and passion into every game, and their dedication shone brightly on the pitch. Special Olympics Angola was represented by athletes and Unified partners Georgina Monteiro, Lucrécia António, Maria Yambe, Janice Pilamambo and Marioneth da Silva. Their coaches are Yolanda Suzana and Antonio Bartolomeu, the national director of Special Olympics Angola.
In the words of the team members: “She is not my sister by blood, she is my sister by heart.” Special Olympics Angola Lucrécia Antonio and Unified partner Janice Pilamambo share a bond that goes far beyond the basketball court. All over the world this is Special Olympics and Unified Sports!
The team’s victory came after a five-match undefeated streak against Special Olympics Puerto Rico (13-8), Special Olympics Jamaica (14-4), Special Olympics Egypt (8-2), the semifinal against Special Olympics Nicaragua (14-3), and the final with Special Olympics Uruguay (9-4).
Team Angola’s success is rooted in the relentless efforts of their coach, Yolanda Chitula. Since joining the program in 2022, she has never missed a basketball event. She began her journey with Special Olympics as a teacher and trainer, overcoming challenges to build a strong 3×3 team from the ground up. Under her leadership, the players learned quickly, supported each other and created an inclusive environment that impacted everyone around them. Yolanda dreams of taking Special Olympics Angola to every corner of the country and continuing to share opportunities and joy with more athletes.
Special Olympics Angola is the newest program in theAfrican regionfounded in 2022, but is making huge strides as it expands its reach and partnerships. Under the able leadership of chairman Jean-Jacques Nzadi Conceição, the former professional basketball player and FIBA Hall of Famer, the program has ramped up activities and nearly doubled the number of athletes last year to 1,363. And they continue this momentum through an innovative partnership with Manchester City and global appliance group Midea.
This partnership marks another major step by Special Olympics Angola, who were among the first programs to officially join the programSpecial Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusionunder Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable Rui Luís Falcão Pinto de Andrade. This partnership aims to transform the education and sports landscape for 3,085 young people in 128 schools across the country, including young people with intellectual disabilities. Over the next three years, more than 200 teachers will receive specialized training to ensure inclusive practices are implemented effectively.
Coach Yolanda Chitula received training from FIBA instructors during the event and was amazed by the scale and organization of this global event. “We also surprised the other teams with a beautiful and difficult dance choreography, and they noticed our infectious energy, dancing and playing,” she said. “There were so many countries there, and many had never heard of Angola. We in turn learned about many new countries.”
Team Captain Maria Yambe said: “This was my first time away from home and the long journey was stressful, but we were received so warmly in Puerto Rico. The organizers and volunteers were very attentive to our needs and answered our questions with great care and respect. It was an incredible experience.”
Marioneth Da Silva is a Unified Partner on the team. “I have two brothers with autism. When I saw firsthand the scale, impact and inclusivity that Special Olympics provides, I was deeply moved and forever changed,” she said. “It was inspiring to witness the inclusion, respect and opportunities afforded to all athletes. I am grateful for all the work that made this event possible and I am so happy to be part of such a special and enriching moment.”
“For me, the Games were more than a competition, they were a celebration,” said António Bartolomeu, National Director of Special Olympics Angola. “It took 24 hours to arrive in Puerto Rico from home, and Special Olympics Angola made history by winning the gold.”
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