National championship success for Benoni ‘boykie’
Athletic success for the young Benonian with Down Syndrome.
Benoni Small Farms resident and SOWLE Centre learner Matthew van Heerden (13) was included in the Gauteng Down Syndrome athletics team that competed in the national championships in September in KwaZulu-Natal.
The youngster accomplished a big goal to medal at the nationals by winning the u-13 shot-put event on September 24 to become a South African champion followed by a third place podium finish in the 100m sprint on September 25.
Previously, in August, the Benonian finished second in the 100m, shot-put and discus events as well as first in javelin at a regional athletics competition at Hennopspark in Centurion.
Then, during the Pretoria Athletics Day hosted by Tshwane Down Syndrome Association at Tuks Athletic Stadium on September 1, he achieved four first places out of the five events he participated in.
He picked up gold medals in javelin (throwing 12.52m), discus (throwing 15.03m), shot-put (throwing 6.16m) and in long jump (jumping 2.35m).
He achieved a silver medal in the 400m event.
Three other athletes from Benoni’s SOWLE Centre also competed at Tuks.
Matthew Hansrod finished second in the u-13 long jump, third in the 400m sprint and third in javelin.
Nondumiso Khumalo achieved runner-up finishes in the u-15 shot-put and discus events.
Jessica Riley took part in the shot-put event and finished third in a 100m heat.
SOWLE Centre is a non-profit organisation which aims to educate higher functioning children with Down Syndrome and other special educational needs to the highest possible level attainable by each learner.
The Boden Road-based educational centre currently has 32 children between the ages of four and 15 learning at their facility.
Visit www.sowlecentre.co.za for more information.
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