Eastern Cape Department of Education collaborated with the Eastern Cape Sport Confederation who held Provincial Games for learners living with Severe Intellectual Disability in Mthatha.

The purpose of these was to select a team that will represent the Eastern Cape Province in the National showpiece to be held in Polokwane, Limpopo from the 1st to the 6th of October 2023.

ECDoE Inclusive Education Deputy Chief Education Specialist, Mafuza Mtshengu applauded the collaboration between the two Departments and other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this games a success, as he was opening and welcoming the attendees he said; "Today we are here to witness and embrace God's given talents from the learners and through these collaborations, this would have been possible, so we would like to invite more stakeholders to be part of this programme to showcase the talent that kids living with disabilities have and to make them feel not left behind by the department.

" Alot has been said by the colleagues therefore, I can only say that we are truly blessed to have such wonderful people and partners in our local organizing committee to make this a sucess, said ECDoE Inclusive Education Acting Director Simon Ncapayi as he was giving message of support to the learners and organizers.

Additionally Ncapayi said "Winning at all cost is not what these games are organized for but to showcase talent and allow these learners to enjoy themselves, therefore, we are so proud of our learners today and I can comfortably say that we have selected the best team that will lift our province flag high Limpopo.

"Also given message of support was the OR Tambo Sport Confederation Chairperson, Vekhula Gwazela he said, "Today, we took a moment to show our appreciation to the Department for showing passion and dedication for learner upliftment, therefore we are very delighted to be part of this event and we hope that the department will keep this programme sustained and alive.

Speaking on behalf of the learners was a Thembisa Special School Male Leaner who named himself Drogba, he said the Department of Education, participating schools did us proud today with their entertainment starting from guard of honor, dance groups, food and the core of the day lots of sports games, I so wish this can happen everyday to keep us fit and able to make friends with other learners from other places.