Part of the youth that participated at the Nike event
Johannesburg – 18 June 2026 – Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA), in partnership with Nike, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), hosted an inspiring Youth Day Celebration at the Nike Shapa Centre in Soweto. The event brought together youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to celebrate inclusion, leadership, unity, and the transformative power of sport.
The event honoured the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising while creating a dynamic platform for youth empowerment through inclusive sport, arts, culture, and community engagement. More than 300 participants—including youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, coaches, volunteers, celebrities, and media representatives—attended the celebration.
This event reflects the partnership between Special Olympics South Africa and Nike, and the shared commitment to creating opportunities for all young people, of all abilities, to participate, lead, and thrive through sport and inclusive community programmes.
The collaboration also aligns with the global partnership between Special Olympics International and Nike, which focuses on expanding access to sport, strengthening Unified Sports coaching, and advancing inclusive communities worldwide.
The Honourable Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, was among the esteemed guests, underscoring the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive development.
Special Olympics South Africa continues to maintain a strong and impactful relationship with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, working collaboratively to advance inclusion for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Africa.
Special Olympics South Africa also maintains a long-standing partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Mr Sbusiso Makhathini, representing the NYDA, attended as part of the VIP guest list. The NYDA continues to play a vital role in supporting youth development initiatives and strengthening pathways for young people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to access meaningful opportunities for growth, participation, and leadership.
Special Olympics South Africa was honoured to be joined by an exciting line-up of South African football legends and leading television personalities who demonstrated their support for inclusion and youth empowerment. Guests included football legends Desiree Ellis, Josta Dladla, Morgan Gould, Tefu Mashamaite, and Oupa Manyisa, alongside well-known media personalities Courtnaé Paul, Melanie Ramjee, Cowboii, Tman Express, Joy Manana, Kayise Ngqula, Sbu Shongwe, Letshego Moshoeu, and Lerato Phago.
Dr Mathews Phosa, Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, said:
“This partnership between Special Olympics South Africa and Nike is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when inclusion is placed at the centre of youth development. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities where young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, alongside their peers without disabilities, are able to participate as equals, develop as leaders, and thrive through the unifying power of sport. This is more than a sporting initiative—it is a commitment to dignity, equality, and building a society where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The event also provided a valuable employee volunteer opportunity for Nike staff, who participated alongside athletes and young people as facilitators and volunteers. Their involvement highlighted the important role that corporate partnerships play in driving authentic social impact and creating environments where inclusion is actively practised and experienced.
Mariette Brethouwer, Senior Director of Nike Social & Community Impact for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said:
“At Nike, we know that play and sport can be transformative for young people. By setting the standard for inclusive coaching, Nike and Special Olympics are helping to improve the sporting experience for everyone. Our commitment to inclusive coaching also extends to Nike employees, whom we empower to share their passion for sport with communities around the world—including 20 dedicated employee volunteers who coached more than 200 athletes during the Youth Day celebration at Shapa Soweto. The event was a powerful demonstration of Unified Sports in action, and we look forward to continuing our work with Special Olympics to help shape a more inclusive future for sport.”
According to Special Olympics International, Unified Sports programmes play a critical role in fostering acceptance, teamwork, and social inclusion by bringing athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities together on the same team.
Nike’s continued support of Special Olympics globally highlights the growing importance of partnerships between the private sector and organisations working to advance inclusion and youth empowerment. Together, these partnerships are helping to create more inclusive sporting environments and expand opportunities for young people around the world.
The success of the event demonstrated the power of collaboration between civil society, the private sector, government, and young people themselves. Through sport, culture, leadership, and shared experiences, Special Olympics South Africa and Nike showcased how inclusion can unite communities and create a lasting impact.
