Photography by Elias Makokha
Across Africa, young leaders with and without Intellectual disabilities They step into the global spotlight and the world takes notice. From regional summits to global platforms, Special Olympics young leaders aren’t waiting for change; They drive it.
From February 24 to 26, 30 young leaders from 14 countries across the world will participate Africa region They gathered alongside other sports leaders at the Special Olympics Africa Regional Youth Leadership in Johannesburg.
African Mirror covered the event in an article titled Africa rises: the leaders are already here. She offered specific examples of how young people from the continent are coming together not as beneficiaries, but as decision-makers to design projects, lead dialogue, and return home with plans to bring about change in their communities.
Photography by Elias Makokha
In a city that has witnessed so many moments of historical reckoning, something quiet and powerful emerged within those rooms. Zamangwe Mazibuko and Lumka Jogela – A Uniform pairtwo young women connected by friendship and purpose – stood in front of their peers and said hello. Their words were not a celebration, but a declaration. “We’re here. We belong here. We’re already leading.”
Across the room, Hippolyte Kobasari from Burkina Faso Listen – the same young man who did not wait for a call to solve the problems in his community. He built the app. With his hands and mind, he built a tool to serve his Special Olympics program. He is not tomorrow’s leader. He’s the leader of the day, and he’s already at work.
“We’re not just part of Special Olympics. We’re building it. We’re refining it.”
Malvin Mukumbi, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger during the welcome dinner speech.
Through youth leadership pathways, global and regional meetings, and inclusive education initiatives, young leaders gain the skills, confidence and platforms needed to drive impact beyond sport. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to unleashing the leadership potential of people of all abilities and ensuring that youth voices are a key component of the future of inclusion.
“Thank you so much to all the delegates for being here. My sincere appreciation to Special Olympics Africa and Special Olympics International for making this conference a success. As you see me running for the ball in this picture, I ask you to see something deeper. There are athletes still waiting. Athletes still watching. Athletes still hoping for a chance. Let’s not sit down. Let’s get to the field. Let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s run for them. Let’s find them. Let’s bring them back.” Home to Special Olympics.”
Sammy Kamande, Global Athlete Leadership Council, Special Olympics Kenya
