Minister Bulunga honours excelling Special Olympics team
06 February 2020
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Bulunga has awarded the triumphant Eswatini Special Olympics team with a total of E29 000 in recognition of their outstanding performances at the 1st Pan African Games in Egypt.
Bulunga made the announcement at a ceremony to officially welcome the team home held at the Royal Villas yesterday afternoon. The team collected a total of ten medals in Egypt, six of them gold, one silver and three bronze.
Making his remarks, Bulunga said the reward was meant to encourage the athletes.
“We wish to state here today just how proud we are of you. The significance of this victory goes beyond yourselves, our Ministry and even Government. This is a victory for the entire nation- a timely reminder of what we are capable of as EmaSwati. I wish to reiterate Government’s commitment to the Special Olympics movement. We further appeal to the entire nation to support these young stars of ours. They have proven time and time again that they are worth our attention and support, let us give it to them. It now gives me great pleasure to announce that, despite the prevailing economic challenges, our athletes will receive a total of E29 000 from Government in recognition of their brilliant performances in Egypt,” he said.
The Minister further lauded the team for showing consistency in their performances. At last year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, the team collected 3 medals.
Bulunga then expressed gratitude to Prince Bandzile’s Peaceful Warrior Foundation for making the team’s travel to Egypt possible.
“I should start first by thanking Umnftwanenkhosi through whose efforts and dedication to this cause, the team was able to make it to the 1st Pan African Games in Egypt. Nkhosi, we feel hugely indebted to you and the Peaceful Warrior Foundation for such a gesture. On behalf of Government, I take this moment Nkhosi, to extend our deepest gratitude to you for the huge role you have played in this triumph which has put our country’s name on the world map,” he said.
The team’s medal breakdown:
Lindelwa Mngometulu: 2 Gold medals (100m and long jump)
Sandiswa Shabangu: 2 Gold medals (100m and long jump)
Sambulo Xaba: 2 Gold medals (100m and 200m)
Fisokuhle Maseko: 1 Silver (100m) and 1 Bronze (long jump)
Neliswa Shabangu: 1 Bronze (25m)
Mphilo Thwala: 1 Bronze (50m)