Africa-Press – Lesotho. Refiloe Maphallela retained his position as Special Olympics Lesotho (SOL) President and National Director during the National Executive Committee (NEC) elections and Annual
General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday. The contested positions at the polls were that of the President or National Director represented by Refiloe Maphallela, Technical and Sports Director Martin Habaka; both of them were not
challenged. Public Relations Officer (PRO) was contested by three people; Khotso Qakatha, Tebello Montšo and Atang Mohapi while Secretary General (SG)
position was contested by two names ‘Manthateng ‘Mako and ‘Maletuka Ralebitso. The Treasure position was contested by 6 names though another contestant ‘Mantai
Chabeli was absent. Two contestants withdrew their names from the polls in the treasurer position namely Lerato Lekoala and Selomo Molefi and the remaining
contestants were Teboho Sekonyela, Reitumetse Ratsetse, ‘Mantai Chabeli and ‘Madompe Mahooe. After the election process, the PRO position was won by Khotso Qakatha with 10 votes, SG ‘Maletuka Ralebitso 8
votes and Treasurer ‘Madompe Mahooe with 5 votes. Therefore, the newly elected SOL NEC is made up of the President and National Director Refiloe Maphallela and
Technical and Sports Director Martin Habaka who were not challenged, SG ‘Maletuka Ralebitso and Treasurer ‘Madompe Mahooe. Maphallela, while presenting his
report showed that the NEC aspire to achieve the sport organization that is capable of actively enabling the positive outcome for people with intellectual
disability in Lesotho. “We want to improve lives through the power of sports, so that our athletes, volunteers and coaches are inspired with their beloved
Special Olympics Program,” Maphallela noted. He stated that the past four years have been hectic for the association in various assignments and the year 2020 was
the most challenging like no other, through all the challenges that Covid-19 presented in their programs and lives in general. “It was pleasing with the
support we received from our Special Olympics African region through virtual means to constantly monitor our wellbeing, in particular our athletes and their
families. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Special Olympics and the African region for their constant support to our program in leadership,
technical and administration,” he said. Maphallela also thanked Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) for their ongoing support throughout the decades; he said they understand their struggles with the Ministry of
Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation (MGYSR) in regard to the issue of subvention and their support to them and other associations, especially in hard
situations. In her remarks, the outgoing SG ‘Manthateng ‘Mako, referring to the newly elected NEC, said their journey was not easy and thus encouraged them to get ready for hard work.
“At SOL the time for resting is limited, go out there and make SOL proud because we are
expecting miracles all of you. There are athletes out there who are expecting SOL to reach out to them and there are parents who are not yet proud or confident to handover their children to the association because they do not trust
anyone with their disabled children. It is your job to ensure that those people become proud and brave to bring their hidden intellectually disabled people for exposure,” ‘Mako noted.
Meanwhile, LSRC Member ‘Mamojela Mokhohlane said the commission is proud that SOL successfully organized and held its first NEC elections. Mokhohlane also stated that cooperation and
persistence within the associations can bring sports to the next level. She said the commission appreciates and wishes success on SOL’s efforts, saying
they will always be on the association’s side when need arises. SOL Board Chairperson Dr. Makhetha Mosotho indicated that SOL is a movement and the purpose of this movement is not only
to cater for sports but also to uplift and improve the skills of people with intellectual disability. “It is my expectation to see some of the people with
intellectual disability engaged in the SOL administration because I have learned that some of them are recognized as international figures and consultants.
We have to empower them to be involved in various aspects of life because they have special skills and are capable of achieving more,” Mosotho stated.
He added that his anticipation is to see the newly elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members cordially work with confidence, dedication and courage to achieve the expectations of the association.
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