Across Africa, young leaders with and without intellectual disability are in the global spotlight and the world is paying attention. From regional summits to global platforms, Special Olympics young leaders don’t wait for change; they lead it.
From February 24 – 26, 30 youth leaders from 14 countries around the world will be present Africa region gathered with other athlete leaders at the Special Olympics Africa Regional Youth Leadership in Johannesburg.
The African Mirror covered the action in a piece titled Africa is emerging: the leaders are already there. It included specific examples of how the continent’s young people are coming together not as beneficiaries, but as decision makers who design projects, lead dialogue and return home with plans to create change in their communities.
In a city that has experienced so many moments of historical reckoning, something calm and powerful unfolded in those rooms. Zamangwe Mazibuko and Lumka Gogela – one United coupletwo young women, bonded by friendship and determination, stood before their peers and welcomed them. Their words landed not as a ceremony, but as a declaration. “We are here. We belong here. We are already leading.”
From across the room comes Hyppolite Koubassare Burkina Faso listened – the same young man who didn’t wait for an invitation to solve the problems in his community. He built an app. With his own hands and his own mind, he built a tool for his Special Olympics program. He is not the leader of tomorrow. He is today’s leader, already at work.
“We’re not just part of the Special Olympics. We’re building it. We’re honing it.”
Malvin Mukombe, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger during his welcome dinner.
Through youth leadership pathways, global and regional meetings, and inclusive education initiatives, young leaders gain the skills, confidence, and platforms needed to create impact far beyond sports. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to unleashing leadership potential in people of all abilities and ensuring that youth voices are central to the future of inclusion.
“Thank you to all the delegates for being there. And a sincere appreciation to Special Olympics Africa and Special Olympics International for making this conference a success. When you see me running for the ball in this photo, I ask you to see something deeper. There are still athletes waiting. Still athletes watching. Still athletes hoping for an opportunity. Let’s not sit back. Let’s go to the field. Let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s run for them. Let’s find them. Let’s bring them home. at the Special Olympics.”
Sammy Kamande, Global Athlete Leadership Council, Special Olympics Kenya
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