Special is an overworked description in sport.
We use it far too much in journalism and hear it every day to define occasions or incidents which in a lapse of time, revert to the ordinary.
However it is entirely appropriate when we write about the character and career of Nelson Mandela, the civil rights activist who became the first black President of South Africa as his long walk to freedom gathered more energy.
A gap of nearly two decades since my first view of Nelson Mandela's influence has not reduced my opinion or portrayal of this remarkable man who did so much to help South Africa's transformation.
That World Cup final afternoon in 1995 when he walked into the strong sunlight and raucous atmosphere at Ellis Park, was a stunning occasion.