Disabled people’s ‘olympics’ a great success

Vukile Sonandzi|Published 9 months ago

Gugulethu Sports Council deputy president Miranda Mfeketo congratulate women table tennis winners Ahlume Mgogodlo and Asavela Pambanisa.

Luvuyo Zondani and Miranda Mfeketo congratulating male table tennis winners, Mihlali Nakani, Tsepiso Masina and Akhanya Mpisane at the games for people with disabilities held in Gugulethu last week.

The Gugulethu Sports Council was praised for hosting a mini tournament which saw more than 100 pupils with disabilities taking part.

GSC president Nceba Sandlana said they organised the tournament after a forum of schools that cater for pupils with disabilities approached them.

“They urged us to consider a tournament of this nature to encourage the disabled people to be active in sports,” said Zondani.

On the day the pupils played netball, five-aside soccer, cricket, chess and table tennis.

Andile Kula who represents the schools said the event was success because it gave the “physically disabled and intellectually impaired” a chance to play without being discriminated against.

“Our motto is simple nothing about us without us. GSC wanted to organise a similar tournament early in the year but there we some hiccups which we resolved after amicable consultation,” said Mr Kula.

He said the tournament was trial run for a bigger tournament during Disability Month in November.

“All our schools are now geared up for the big moment. I am sure training will intensify. Teachers and parents are looking forward to that day,” he said.

Teams involved were from Nompumelelo Special School, Siviwe Schools of Skills, Tembaletu School for the Disabled, Vukuhambe and Nontuthuzelo Workshops. Participants received medals and the biggest winner was Tembaletu which walked away with both netball and soccer gold medals.

Belinda Nkonzo from Disability Rights Matter (DRM) said it was lovely to see children enjoying themselves in the field of play.

“The time of being ashamed of being disabled is over, they don’t to be pitied but supported in the games they chose to play,” said Ms Nkonzo.

DRM founder Luvuyo Zondani who also lectures disability studies at UCT urged the learners to “self represent”.

“The fact that you are disabled and impaired doesn’t mean you can’t dream about a better life. There are opportunities for people with disabilities, you have to grab them and organisations like ours will support you,” said Mr Zondani.

Derrick Dreyden from Siviwe said the joy on children’s faces showed that they enjoyed every moment on the day. He thanked the organisers for staging a memorable tournament.