Sunfield's swimming stars set for Special Olympics
Two Sunfield Home residents in Howick are jetting off to Germany to represent South Africa at the Special Olympics in Berlin this month.
Sunfield's two swimming stars Jennifer Higgins (39), who has Down Syndrome, and Bronwyn Ramthula (33), who has an intellectual impairment, have embarked on their journey to Berlin, after being selected to compete in the international Special Olympics.
The home’s occupational therapist and deputy general manager and swimming coach, Tania Darch, said their residents from the home partake in a wide range of sporting codes such as swimming, running, table tennis, athletics, soccer and Bocce.
Darch said the home's swimming team had participated in Special Olympics Championships in November last year, where the duo were chosen for this opportunity.
“[They] have been training very hard and finally the time has come for their final preparations for the Special Olympics. They will be making their way to Johannesburg for a training camp, and on June
11, they will depart for Germany,” Darch.
Ramathula described this opportunity as an honour, saying that going overseas will allow her to see a different country, experience new things and meet new people.
“During Covid-19 we had no challenges, galas, or competitions. Being back in the pool and competing has made me realise that I have great abilities and inspired me to work harder to better myself and achieve great goals. Being chosen to represent South Africa in the Special Olympics comes with great responsibility to be disciplined and work hard,” said Ramathula.
Ramthula’s team mate Higgins said this opportunity came as a surprise to her because she has been competing for many years and even thinking of retiring.
“Once we started competing again, it changed my whole mindset. I had goals again and trained very hard to make the team. I am very proud to represent my country again and I am determined to do my best,” Higgins said.
Higgins' mother and former board member of the Special Olympics South Africa, Barbara Higgins, said she will be joined by Higgins' brother to support her daughter in the competition.
Barbara said her daughter has been involved with the Special Olympics sport since she was 10 years old, where she got the opportunity compete in numerous sports such as athletics, ice skating, gymnastics and swimming.
“Her first love has always been swimming. Over the years she has also competed in championships held just for persons with down syndrome, where she claimed a number of world records in the category,” she said.
This will be Higgins' fourth time representing South Africa.
“As a parent, I was upset and disappointed being told Jenna had Down Syndrome after she was born. But she has taken us down such an interesting and enjoyable journey throughout her life. She has been such a blessing in our lives,” she said.
Darch thanked the Special Olympics organisation for providing full funding for all the athletes competing in this year’s Special Olympics. Sunfield Home organised a proper send-off for their swimmers on Tuesday.