Mary Joshua, the head South Sudan Olympics Committee (right) with an athlete participating in the Special Olympics World Games. | Photo: Courtesy

South Sudanese athletes are participating in the ongoing Special Olympics World Games for people with intellectual disabilities, in the German capital Berlin.

The eight-member delegation is headed by Hon. Rebecca Joshua, the chairperson of the South Sudan Special Olympic Committee.

According to Victor Kunya, the Secretary of the National Olympic Committee will participate only in athletics.

During the opening tournament, South Sudanese female athlete Sarah Juru held the torch which was lit by Berlin Mayor before all marched behind her to the stadium.

Meanwhile, Esther a South Sudanese female athlete qualified for the final 200 M after coming first in the quarter-final on Sunday afternoon.

Victor said the event is an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disability

“The Special Olympic South Sudan, a delegation members of 8 people consist of two female athletes, and one male athlete,” Victor said.

“We have one medical doctor plus the head of the delegation, in addition to a male coach and one female coach, who are participating in the special Olympic world game in Berlin June 2023.”

The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sports event where thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports.

The event is expected to run from 17 to 25 June 2023.