Physical and mental fitness at Spirit Games
Spirit Games promote fitness for people with disabilities.
The metro, in partnership with the Gauteng Departments of Sports and Recreation, and Social Development, hosted this year’s instalment of the Spirit Games, at the Charl Baard Stadium, in Brakpan, on November 8.
The Spirit Games are an annual event aimed at promoting healthy and active living among people with disabilities.
“Being wheelchair-bound, deaf and trapped behind closed doors or even relying on someone else to care for you because you are physically disabled is now a thing of the past,” said spokesman for the metro Sam Modiba.
The physically challenged community is defying the odds by participating in activities that were once believed to be done only by able-bodied people.
People from all corners of Ekurhuleni gathered to participate in this year’s Spirit Games.
“As a disabled person, I view these games as an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and perceptions that people in general have about us.
“This is a platform for us to prove to even ourselves that we are fully able and capable,” said Sibaya Kubheka, a Katlehong resident and a member of the Vezabantu Disability Organisation.
Vezabantu is an NGO consisting of 20 members, with various types of disabilities.
“The sole purpose of my involvement in this organisation and participating in these games is to challenge the mentality of self pity and to have the courage to become a positive role model,” Kubheka said.
The day at Charl Baard Stadium was filled with different kinds of activities, like target shooting (archery and paintball), swing ball and TV show games, to mention a few.
There were also board games, like giant puzzles and dominoes, as well as team-building activities.
“In modern society, disability encompasses all disabilities and health conditions, that is why we are constantly devising means to meet all the needs the physically challenged may encounter at any given time,” said Clr Zeni Tshongweni, MMC for Sports and Recreation.
Participants were rewarded with gold medals to acknowledge their dedication and determination, and to reward excellence portrayed during the activities.
