Special Olympics is proud to highlight its collaboration with the Basketball Africa League (BAL)—a collaboration rooted in the shared values of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity. Through this collaboration, Special Olympics is creating powerful platforms that not only showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities but also actively celebrate their achievements and contributions both on and off the field of play.
In celebration of the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals, two of our inspirational Special Olympics World Games medallists—Naledi Hlalele and Tyrell Sykes—have been selected for an exclusive work experience with the BAL operations team.
From 4-11 June, 2025, Naledi and Tyrell will be embedded within BAL operations during one of the most prestigious basketball events on the continent – the BAL Playoffs and Finals are taking place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria from 6-14 June, 2025. This is far more than an internship—it is an extraordinary opportunity for these athletes to grow professionally, connect with sports leaders, and represent a global movement for inclusion.
The BAL Playoffs and Finals are a celebration of elite basketball talent from across the African continent, bringing together athletes, fans, media, and partners from around the world. This premier event provides the perfect stage for advancing conversations about inclusion, representation, and equity—and for placing athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the centre of global sports dialogue.
In another groundbreaking initiative, Special Olympics and the BAL will co-host an unforgettable Unified Celebrity Basketball Game which will be held at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 7 June, 2025. This one-of-a-kind event will see celebrities, professional athletes, and Special Olympics athletes come together on the court to celebrate Unified Sports—an innovative approach that brings people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities together on the same team. Unified Sports is at the heart of what we do. It breaks down stereotypes, promotes understanding, and demonstrates the power of sport to build inclusive communities.
Ms. Ancilla Smith, CEO of Special Olympics in South Africa, shared: “This internship opportunity reflects what true inclusion looks like in action. It is not just about opening doors—it’s about giving our athletes a place at the table, allowing them to contribute meaningfully, and acknowledging their strengths. We are incredibly grateful to BAL for recognising the value of our athletes and for standing with us in creating a more inclusive sporting world.”
The collaboration between Special Olympics and the BAL represents a shared belief in the dignity and potential of every individual. It is a collaboration that proves when inclusion leads, empowerment follows—and lives are transformed.
As the BAL Playoffs and Finals unfold, we invite all South Africans and global supporters to witness the impact of inclusion in action and celebrate the achievements of Naledi, Tyrell, and so many other athletes who continue to break boundaries.
