Disabled stars aim for world champs
Provincial games held in Komani
The department of education held its provincial championships for pupils with severe intellectual disabilities in Chris Hani to prepare them for the upcoming World Championships organised by the Sports Union for athletes with down syndrome.
The five-a-side football and netball competitions took place at the Dumpy Adams Stadium and the basketball event was held at the Gali Thembani Youth Centre on Saturday in Komani.
The athletics championships were held in Cacadu.
Education department provincial head Simon Ncapayi said the athletes taking part were from the 22 Severe Intellectual Disability (Sid) schools in the province.
“We are having provincial eliminations to select teams which will represent us at the national games from September 30 to October 7 in Mbombela in Polokwane,” he said.
The national champions will take part in the World Championships in France.
“We are hoping we will be able to compete nationally and be in a position to compete at the highest level.
“Last year, a soccer player from Nelson Mandela Bay represented the country in the international games which were in Germany.”
Ncapayi said the number of participants involved in SA had grown immensely over the years.
He said winning was not the goal but rather to get pupils actively involved.
“Once a pupil leaves the school premises to compete, the sport has won.
“This extra curriculum activity is assisting disabled pupils in many ways, as far as their cognitive and social skills are concerned.
“It also exposes them to react and think fast. If you translate this in real life, the skill will be able to assist them.”