WINDHOEK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- More than a week after Namibia's Unified Gladiators returned from Paris with gold medals, the celebrations have given way to a practical question: how to create regular opportunities at home for footballers with intellectual disabilities.
Namibia won the women's Division 2 title at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, held from July 6 to 11. The team beat Azerbaijan 5-0, lost 1-0 to eventual women's Division 1 champion Guatemala and drew 1-1 with the United States in the group stage.
It then defeated host France 5-2 before beating Egypt 5-4 on penalties following a goalless final.
"Unified football teaches us that football belongs to everyone," head coach Eliaser Amuthitu told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"When everyone feels valued and respected, players perform with greater confidence and purpose, both on and off the field."
Amuthitu said limited funding, travel difficulties and the need for players to balance training with daily responsibilities complicated preparations but also strengthened the team's unity.
The Paris result marked progress from the 2022 Special Olympics Unified Cup in Detroit, where Namibia won the women's Division 3 title after beating the United Arab Emirates 3-0 in the final.
Levien Smit, national director of Special Olympics Namibia, said the team is now targeting Division 1.
"We are slowly climbing the ladder of soccer development," Smit said. "We are determined to continue developing soccer and creating more local playing opportunities so our athletes' skills can continue to grow."
The team returned to a welcome-home reception in Windhoek on July 13 attended by Vice President Lucia Witbooi. However, Special Olympics Namibia faces a more basic challenge: creating regular competition and securing support for transport and equipment.
Smit said Namibia has no dedicated football league for Special Olympics athletes and that many players come from families unable to cover basic sporting costs. The organization also receives no government subsidy for its operations, she said.
"Our athletes do not want pity or special treatment. We want what every athlete wants, dignity and respect," Smit said.
Across Africa, football has long served as a vehicle for social cohesion, bringing together communities across social and economic divides. Namibia's Unified Gladiators are now extending that legacy by challenging perceptions of intellectual disability.
Julien Garises, a board member of Special Olympics Namibia, said the victory came at a crucial time as the organization advocates for greater inclusion through sport. He added that the medal could help change perceptions of intellectual disability and encourage more families to give their children opportunities in sport.
"This achievement is for all people with disabilities who are waiting for an opportunity to showcase their talent and be accepted in our society," Garises said.
He added that Africa possesses enormous untapped sporting potential.
"With enough support during preparations, there will be more joy in our countries. Africa has more talent than people can imagine." ■
