Race against time to raise funds for dream
JOSHUA van Staden of Athlone is closing in on his 2024 Paralympic dream after being selected to participate in the qualifying International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation Games in Portugal next month.
In a race against time, he is now trying to raise R77 000 for the trip, as due to short notice and financial constraints, his mother is not in a position to afford it.
The second-year Stellenbosch University theology student holds the South African record in javelin and shot-put in the F41 category for athletes of short stature.
“Costs have increased and it's a challenge for me as a single parent and front-line worker to make this trip happen for Joshua,” his mother, Rachelle Petersen, said.
“But this opportunity is what he needs to prove himself and to achieve his athletic goals, because this competition is a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“In the past, we would host fund-raising events and send sponsorship letters to the companies some of our church congregants work at, but this year it has not been possible.”
The team will head to Portugal in September where Van Staden hopes to compete against athletes from around the world.
He said: “This opportunity means everything to me and I am working hard to make sure I achieve it. It's not always easy because I do face adversity, I have to balance my academic and sport career, but I always remind myself no matter how bad it gets, I'm going to make it.
“I don't see myself as a person with a disability, I am Godly gifted, it's just my height is a bit shorter than others. My mindset tells me I can achieve anything. I put my mind to it and God will elevate me. It's what you do constantly in your life that will actually matter. Your desire and actions are up to you, what you put in, you get out.”
He explained that athletes had two years to qualify for the Paralympics, which meant they would have to compete as much as possible to earn qualifying points.
“The Paralympics has always been Joshua's dream. He is a dedicated, hard-working and talented para athlete, who has a passion for sports, music, motivational speaking and as possibly our first male South African Paralympian with dwarfism, he deserves this opportunity,” Petersen added.
Donations can be made to www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/ project/joshua-van-staden2021