Unified Gladiators seek funding lifeline
Special Olympics Namibia (SON) has appealed for urgent financial support after using its internal emergency funds to ensure the Unified Gladiators could represent the country at the Unified Football World Cup in Paris, France.
SON’s women’s national team, known as the Unified Gladiators, is at the competition, which began yesterday and will run until Saturday.
The organisation is seeking assistance to cover a funding shortfall of about N$650 000 after the total cost of the campaign amounted to approximately N$840 000.
SON said it was forced to draw from its emergency reserves to avoid withdrawing the women’s team at the final stage, after its requests for government financial assistance did not produce a confirmed allocation in time for the delegation’s departure.
Although the emergency funding allowed the Unified Gladiators to travel and represent Namibia, the organisation warned that its scheduled programmes for athletes across the country could be affected for the remainder of the year unless the money is replaced.
SON said it had submitted its Paris 2026 funding request and broader annual programme requirements through the relevant channels, followed by repeated enquiries about the outcome.
However, it said no confirmed allocation or clear written response was received in time for it to make final travel arrangements responsibly.
According to the organisation, the subsequent indication that government funding would not be available came only at the final stage, when the delegation was already facing immediate travel commitments.
Withdrawal avoided
SON said pulling out after accepting its place at the tournament was not a straightforward option, as non-attendance could have exposed the programme to possible sanctions, future participation restrictions or other consequences under Special Olympics processes.
More importantly, it said withdrawing would have denied the players a rare international opportunity they had earned through their performances and commitment.
The organisation continued raising funds through private-sector engagement, media appeals and other initiatives, but said the support received was insufficient to close the campaign budget.
The N$840 000 cost includes international flights, visas, accommodation, meals, training-camp transport, official Namibian representation wear, playing apparel, training equipment, football boots, sports shoes, medical support and other travel logistics.
SON said these costs were particularly important because many of its athletes come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would not be able to fund international travel, football boots or official team clothing through their families.
It has now called on corporate Namibia, philanthropists and private individuals to help replenish the emergency funds and protect its remaining athlete-development programmes.
“Investment in intellectual and developmental disability sport is not charity. It is an investment in human dignity, opportunity and inclusion,” said SON director Levien Smit
World Cup assignment
The Unified Gladiators are among 12 women’s teams selected for the third Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in February. The competition also features 12 men’s teams.
Namibia was placed in women’s Group B alongside Azerbaijan, Guatemala and the United States. The tournament uses a round-robin group format before the leading teams advance to the semi-finals and placement matches.
The Unified Sports format brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners without intellectual disabilities in the same team.
Each women’s squad comprises six Special Olympics athletes and five Unified partners, with four athletes and three partners on the field during seven-a-side matches.
Namibia was selected for the competition after SON submitted a football-development plan and evidence of its previous international participation and programme work.
The country previously competed in the women’s division at the 2022 edition in Detroit, United States.
Those willing to support the Unified Gladiators can contact Special Olympics Namibia at [email protected] or 081 435 0781. Banking details are available from the organisation, with donations referenced to Paris 2026/Unified Gladiators.
