Olympic swimmer gets a surprise

LYDENBURG – Special Olympics swimmer, Carol Malinga was welcome back during a special ceremony on Thursday, August 6, after she had obtained a bronze medal in the 25-metre backstroke and took position four in 2m freestyle. The 15-year-old swimmer of Estralita School represented South Africa at the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles.

Local schools, the department of education, Thaba Chweu Municipality, traffic officers, the department of sport, culture and recreation and many other guests were among those who celebrated with Carol and her school.

According to Tamara Hutton, a representative from the Mpumalanga Department of Sport, Culture and Recreation, the local swimmer will be a nominee for the department’s sports awards that will be held later this year. “We have seen the effort that she had put in and believe she stands a chance to be rewarded for her work,” she said.

According to Zandile Khowane, Carol’s former teacher, she can imagine what it feels like to walk in the streets of Los Angeles just by looking at Carol. “It is such an honour to know her and I am very proud her,” she said.

As part of her welcome-back celebration gift, she was surprised with a R10 000 cheque by the Lydenburg Sun Riders bikers. “This is our way to show Carol that she’s on the right track and she must keep it up. We hope this will make a difference in her life,” said Thabi Kekana, representing the bikers.

During her appreciation speech the swimmer could not hide her excitement. “Ever since I was born I have never been this happy. It means a lot to me to see you all celebrating with me. I would like to thank everyone that made it possible for me to participate in the Olympics. I would like to thank my father for attending this ceremony,” she said.