On 25 April, Special Olympics Namibia and the Namibian Football Association signed a proclamation of their joint Football for Hope Project. Left to right: Barry Rakoro, Namibian Football Association Acting Secretary General; Jutta Rohwer, Special Olympics Namibia Board Chair; and Charles Nyambe, Project Coordinator, Special Olympics Africa.

Special Olympics South Africa and FIFA launched the FIFA Football for Hope project in Sandton, Johnannesburg, South Africa, on 15 May. Zindzi Mandela, daughter of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, held the "Flame of Hope" that her father had held in 2001 during Special Olympics African Hope and pledged to continue his vision to create a society in which Special Olympics athletes are valued and revered for their skills and courage.

With the aim of building bridges and establishing relationships with local business, the soccer industry and South Africans in general - particularly in the build-up toward the 2010 Soccer World Cup - the FIFA Football for Hope will contribute to the visibility, acceptance and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project, which focuses on recruitment and training of coaches and athletes, also provides support for family education and basic health screenings to participants.

(Left-right) Football legend Lucas Radebe, Special Olympics South Africa Chairperson Dr. Mathews Phosa and Special Olympics South Africa Board Member Ephraim Mohlakane with the signed proclamation between the Program and local football federation SAFA.

The FIFA Football for Hope project was officially launched by Ron Delmont, head of FIFA's South Africa office, World Cup. Delmont commended Special Olympics on the implementation of three successful pilot projects in Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania in 2006, which allowed the expansion of the project into countries such as South Africa. Delmont joined Special Olympics South Africa Board Chairperson Dr Mathews Phosa, Special Olympics Africa Managing Director Dr John Dow, Special Olympics South Africa patron and football legend Lucas Radebe and Global Athlete Congress Chairperson Ephraim Mohlakane in signing a proclamation between Special Olympics South Africa and the South African Football Association.

Moss Mashishi, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, endorsed the event, adding that sport is a powerful tool that can both uplift and unite individuals in the way that Special Olympics has done for so many athletes.

Dr. Dow had the 195 attendees cheering at the prospect of South Africa hosting a Special Olympics Football World Cup either before or after the FIFA World Cup which South Africa will host in 2010.

Dr. Phosa thanked the corporate sector for their support and encouraged other companies to follow suit. He concluded by recognizing Special Olympics athlete and fellow Board Member Ephraim Mohlakane. When he is out of the country, he is a hero, everyone knows his name, everyone recognizes him," said Dr. Phosa. "But when he comes back home there is no one to even say 'Well done.' Come on, South Africa, we have to do this. We have to be the ones to say, 'Well done! You're a hero.' "

Special Olympics Namibia, which is now in the second year of the project, recently held a press conference on 25 April and will now feature new components in their project, such as Athlete Leadership Programs which will include training athletes as assistant coaches.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

FIFA Project: Mvuso Mbebe of SABC; Zindzi Mandela; Dr. Mathews Phosa, Special Olympics South Africa Board Chairperson; and Ron Delmont, FIFA, display their copies of "I am Proud," a book of photographs of Special Olympics athletes taken by renowned photographer Richard Corman.