Help disabled compete

THE Western Cape football team for the physically disabled are just R10 000 away from making their dreams come true, after being selected to compete in the national games for the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled in Bloemfontein.

As most players come from disadvantaged backgrounds, non-profit Play Sport 4 Life have come on board to fund the team’s playing kit and equipment for them to compete at the end of this month.

They have also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise R50 000 that would cover the expenses of all 13 players, their coach and assistant coach.

The team’s head coach, Kevin Valentine, said the players’ disability was caused by cerebral palsy.

“Cerebral palsy is a developmental disability that affects movement, posture and co-ordination. However, that doesn’t inhibit this team from playing and their love of soccer,” Valentine said.

“This tournament means everything to us. To see the excitement on their faces, travelling by bus, to intermingle with players of other provinces, to see the field and play.

“But most of the players are from disadvantaged communities and simply cannot afford it.”

Donations can be made at www.backabuddy.co.za/ champion/project/westerncape-football-for-physicallydisabled