Glover Paddocks heeds the call to support Special Olympics team

HONEYDEW – Glover Paddocks Equestrian Park in Honeydew heeded the 947 Highveld Stereo‘s call to sponsor this year’s South African Special Olympics (Sosa) team to compete in Austria and is contributing funds for one of the athletes.

“Glover Paddocks would love to be able to nominate one of the athletes and have #TeamGlover sponsor [his or her] trip to Austria, but if we do not reach the total amount required, we will donate whatever amount we raise towards one of the athletes,” said Aisling McCarthy from the park.

They have already raised a total of R21 000 and are now challenging local stable yards to help raise more money to sponsor the athletes.

“#TeamGlover has rallied together after hearing 947’s call for sponsors. There are 25 athletes who are ready and wanting to compete, but they are looking for sponsors to get them there. The athletes will be leaving on 13 March,” McCarthy said.

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The cost of one athlete was estimated to be about R49 000.

McCarthy said the South African Special Olympics team usually brings home more medals than both the Olympic team and Paralympic team.

This year’s Sosa national team will hope to repeat the incredible success of the national team which attended the 2015 Summer World Games in Los Angeles.

The national team returned victorious with 61 medals including 17 gold, 20 silver and 24 bronze.

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Sosa operates as a non-profit organisation and is raising funds to support this amazing team in reaching their dream of representing their country on a global stage.

Members of the public can SMS the word ‘Games’ to 40131 and R20 will be donated towards the national team.