Hearts are still pounding after the gripping finale where the Division 1 teams battled for glory in the final games at the T-Mobile District Arena in San Juan Puerto Rico. After three thrilling days and 94 intense matches, Special Olympics Angola women’s team emerged as champions of the first-ever 2025 Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup. Special Olympics Angola claimed the crown after a hard-fought victory over Special Olympics Uruguay, with a score of 9-4.
The inaugural Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup brought together nearly 200 athletes, dignitaries, performers and fans for an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture and inclusion. Hosted by Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Puerto Rico, this historic event unites basketball players with and without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified partners, from countries across the world. Modelled after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup™, the Cup featured three days of fast-paced 3×3 competition, with 19 men’s teams and 17 women’s teams demonstrating the true meaning of sporting excellence and inclusive basketball.
These global teams poured months of preparation, heart, and passion into every play, and their dedication shone brightly on the court. Special Olympics Angola was represented by athletes and Unified partners Georgina Monteiro, Lucrécia António, Maria Yambe, Janice Pilamambo and Marioneth da Silva. Their coaches are Yolanda Suzana and Antonio Bartolomeu, the national director of Special Olympics Angola.
In the words of the team members: “She is not my sister by blood, she is my sister by heart”. Special Olympics Angola Lucrécia Antonio and Unified partner Janice Pilamambo share a bond that goes way beyond the basketball court. Across the world, this is what Special Olympics and Unified Sports is all about!
The team’s victory came after an undefeated streak of five matches against Special Olympics Puerto Rico (13-8), Special Olympics Jamaica (14-4), Special Olympics Egypt (8-2) the semifinal against Special Olympics Nicaragua (14-3), and the final with Special Olympics Uruguay (9-4).
Team Angola’s success is rooted in the unwavering commitment of their coach, Yolanda Chitula. Since joining the program in 2022, she has never missed a single basketball event. Starting her journey at Special Olympics as a teacher and trainer, she overcame challenges to build a strong 3×3 team from the ground up. Under her guidance, the players learned quickly, supported one another, and created an inclusive environment that impressed everyone around them. Yolanda dreams of taking Special Olympics Angola to every corner of the country, and continuing to share opportunities and joy with more athletes.
Special Olympics Angola is the newest Program in the Africa Region, founded in 2022, but it is making tremendous moves as it expands its reach and partnerships. Under the skillful leadership of chairperson Jean-Jacques Nzadi Conceição, the former professional basketball player and FIBA Hall of Famer, the Program has ramped up activities and almost doubled its athlete count to 1,363 last year. And they are continuing this momentum through an innovative partnership with Manchester City and global appliance group Midea.
This partnership is another big step taken by Special Olympics Angola, who were among the first Programs to officially join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, under the Minister of Youth and Sports Honorable Rui Luís Falcão Pinto de Andrade. This partnership is set to transform the educational and athletic landscape for 3,085 youth across 128 schools nationwide, including those with intellectual disabilities. Over the next three years, more than 200 teachers will receive specialized training to ensure inclusive practices are effectively implemented.
Coach Yolanda Chitula received training from FIBA instructors at the event, and was amazed at the scale and organization of this global event. “We also surprised the other teams with a beautiful and difficult dancing choreography, and they noticed our contagious energy, dancing and playing,” she said. “There were so many countries present, and many had not even heard of Angola. We in turn learnt about many new countries.”
Team captain Maria Yambe shared that, “This was my first time away from home, and the long journey was stressful, but we received such a warm reception in Puerto Rico. The organizers and volunteers were most attentive to our needs, and answered our questions with great care and respect. It was an incredible experience.”
Marioneth Da Silva is a Unified Partner on the team. “I have two brothers with autism. Seeing up close the scale, the impact and the inclusion that Special Olympics provides left me deeply moved and forever changed,” she said. “It was inspiring to witness the integration, respect and opportunities offered to all athletes. I am grateful for all the work that made this event possible and I am so happy to be part of such a special and enriching moment.”
“For me, the Games were more than a competition, they were a celebration,” said Special Olympics Angola national director António Bartolomeu. “We took 24 hours to arrive in Puerto Rico from home, and Special Olympics Angola made history by winning the gold.”
