Caring during COVID-19 in Africa Region
With so many marginalized people struggling to survive their country’s lock down barriers, Special Olympics programs have been searching for ways to help their athletes and family members.
All around Africa Region, Special Olympics athletes and partners are spreading messages of hope and inspiration.
In support, we witnessed clinical directors sharing COVID-19 health information to families in Special Olympics Mauritius, Youth Leaders sharing messages of support for inclusion on their social media in Special Olympics Zimbabwe, and Programs working with governments to include people with intellectual disabilities in their urgent delivery of food parcels in Special Olympics Guinea-Bissau, Special Olympics South Africa and Special Olympics Zambia. Read more here on some of these diverse efforts.
- Special Olympics Botswana
- Special Olympics Congo
- Special Olympics Guinea Bissau
- Special Olympics Kenya
- Special Olympics Niger
- Special Olympics Senegal
- Special Olympics South Africa
- Special Olympics Zambia
Special Olympics Botswana
A partnership with UNFPA created a special series of interviews in Botswana — looking at intellectual disability rights issues, inclusion and COVID-19 prevention methods on Yarona FM — a youth radio station.
Special Olympics Congo
In the nation of Congo-Brazzaville, the President Denis Sassou Nguesso instructed the government to help vulnerable people and those with disabilities during the lockdown period during the pandemic. On May 9, 2020 the Ministry of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action handed over food assistance packages for distribution to the athletes of Special Olympics Congo. These food aid packages included rice, tomatoes, sardines, tinned and beef and vegetable oil.
Special Olympics Senegal
More than 500 masks and COVID-19 information leaflets were donated to Special Olympics Senegal athletes through a partnership with SOS, Speak Up Africa and fashion house Tongoro in the battle against COVID-19. This continues their health partnership in prevention against malaria and vaccination awareness.
Special Olympics South Africa
Special Olympics Zambia
Special Olympics Zambia has an initiative to reach 2,500 athletes from low income households in Ngombe and Madevu districts with Sport in Action and the University of East London. Read the full article below.
They also received a beautiful tribute from musical artist Roberto.
