Hosted by the Dagbreek Special School, the inaugural Run for Intellectual Disability marked a significant step forward for inclusion in Namibia, bringing together learners, educators, and the broader community at WHS Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek.

Held under the message “Run for Intellectual Disability”, the event aimed to mobilise the community through sport while raising awareness about intellectual disability. More than just a race, it served as a platform to promote inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and boost the confidence of learners from Dagbreek Special School.

Speaking to NBC Sport, Lydia Matheus, a teacher and founder of the school’s running team, emphasised the importance of changing societal perceptions. She encouraged the public to stop discriminating against persons living with intellectual disabilities and instead create environments that support their growth and participation.

Matheus also called on parents and guardians of children with disabilities to enrol them in special education schools, stressing that these institutions are equipped to nurture their potential. She further addressed common misconceptions, firmly debunking the myth that individuals with intellectual disabilities belong in psychiatric wards or should be classified as mentally ill.