OPEN AIR SCHOOL learner Bongumenzi Biyela headed to Turkey from May 7 to 12 to compete in the BNP Paribas World Team Cup.

He forms part of the national squad, consisting of four teams of two players, each competing in the men’s and women’s divisions as well as the quad and junior boys’ categories.

Biyela says he played four doubles tennis matches, and he and his teammate won three out of four of their games. “We were picked by Tennis South Africa and were so honoured to represent our country. I wanted to win four out of four of my games, so I was a little disappointed, but it was an exciting experience.”

With the Paralympics around the corner, in September, Biyela and his team were able to put themselves to the test. Eighteen-year-old Biyela is now in his last year at Open Air School, and in his time at the school, he has travelled around the world, representing his school and country in wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball.

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The school has set up a BackABuddy page for their beloved learner to help him raise funds for a new wheelchair to compete with before he leaves the school. “The wheelchair I have now has helped me a lot with my sports, but I need a much better wheelchair to continue to play on a professional level. I’m hoping to raise enough funds before the end of the year because there is a big game, the U23 Egypt African Para Games Qualifiers, that I would like to compete in, in November, and I know that to be the best, I have to have the right tools,” said Biyela.

The 18-year-old offered his advice to high schoolers as he prepares to end his high school journey. “My advice would be to keep pushing – the things you wish for, don’t wish for them; work for them – you only got one shot at high school – make it count.”

To find out more about how you can help, email marketing@openairschool.co.za.

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