Theo Barnes makes history at Region 5 Games with Team SA

In a heartwarming tale of determination, pride, and familial support, Theo Barnes, a young athlete from Delft, South Africa, is set to compete at the upcoming Region 5 Games in Namibia, a milestone that fills his mother, Marjorie, with immense pride.

As he shared his journey, Barnes’ eyes shimmered with emotion, reflecting the weight of his accomplishments and the hurdles he has overcome in a community marked by challenges.

For 21-year-old Barnes, this is not just a sporting event; it’s his first foray into international athletics, a leap from the streets of Delft, a suburb in Cape Town notorious for its struggles with violence and gang activity. Living under one roof with his mother and older sister, Barnes embodies how resilient family values can carve pathways to success.

His journey to this moment began with a golden triumph at the South African National Summer Games in Limpopo, where he first tasted victory. However, the experience of flying from Cape Town to Swakopmund marks another level.

“When I won gold at the South African National Summer Games in Limpopo we travelled by bus. This was much more of an adventure and my mom came with me to the airport to say goodbye,” he recounted.

Barnes is one of 12 athletes representing Team SA in the Special Olympics, a category featured for the first time in the Region 5 Games. He stands out as one of the nation’s most promising contenders, eyeing a double glory in both the 100m and 200m sprints.

“Winning a medal would be the biggest thing I’ve ever achieved. I have my other medals hanging on my wall, but a medal from these Games would fit nicely with the others!”

The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, serves as a platform to promote inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities, aiming to reshape attitudes and dismantle societal barriers. As Team SA arrived at Vineta Stadium in Namibia, joy radiated through the group as they took to the track, the reality of their shared dream sinking in.

While preparing for his events, Barnes enthusiastically practised his sprints, adjusting his starting blocks with care. “My right leg is stronger, this way fees so much better,” he enthused after repeating a couple of get aways for the camera.

Around him, teammates captured the moment on their cameras, a testament to the camaraderie that has blossomed among this tight-knit team.

Barnes reflects on his upbringing in a less privileged community, where he was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six. His journey began in a local school in Delft and continued at Bet-El, a special needs institution in Kuils River, where he finally received encouragement to run.

“I grew up in a poor community and was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), at the age of six. I attended a school in Delft until Grade 6 after which I went to Bet-El (a special needs school in Kuils River). I actually started running at primary school but I could never win.

“Then, at Bet-El I was encouraged to run and I started to win. I loved winning and enjoyed improving my time and building my confidence.

“I told my mom, ‘mom, one day you’ll see me on TV!” I was winning races! My mom replied, ‘yes, my son. Maybe one day I’ll see you on TV.”