Fans boost SA’s Paralympians
JOHANNESBURG: Cameras clicked away as throngs of people gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to wish South Africa’s Paralympic team good luck.
They pushed and shoved for an opportunity to snap selfies with the athletes as they departed for Rio de Janeiro to participate in the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Schoolchildren in uniform were also among the wellwishers. Families and relatives of the athletes hugged and kissed their loved ones as they were about to depart.
The team is hoping to bring home 20 medals, eight of which the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee hopes will be gold.
Yesterday, the 45-strong team boarded the plane for Rio for the Games, which start on September 7 and end on September 18.
Western Cape athlete Zanele Situ is the country’s official flag-bearer.
Sandra Khumalo, a pararower, was accompanied by her daughters Chelsea, 16, and Seona, 5, during media interviews.
“She is going to do well. She is absolutely fantastic,” Chelsea said in front of television cameras.
They constantly hugged Sandra as their father took pictures of them. Sandra said she was confident that her hard work would pay off.
“I have to bring my A game. To be nominated in the team is a big achievement on its own.
“I just want to give my best, the rest will follow. Hopefully a medal will come.”
Both her daughters will join her later in Rio. “I have more courage to push when I see them around, they motivate me a lot.”
Kgothatso Montjane, a wheelchair tennis player, was also upbeat about the team’s prospects.
“The fact that we have qualified means that we have the potential to win gold. I mean each and every one of us is capable.
“We have trained so hard, it’s never easy to qualify. We are not going to Rio to become second best. We are going for the best of the best.”
Wheelchair racer and hand cyclist Ernst van Dyk said he was thrilled to be among those representing the country.
“It is all always about representing South Africa, and representing it well. We are grateful for all the support and everyone who came out here to wish us well.”