Twenty-three-year-old Sophia Sepati Majoe from Tumahole, Parys, had the honour of being included in the SA team of 18 players to participate in the Cairo 2023 World Boccia Africa Regional Championships. The championships are from 2 to 9 July. She and her teammates are in Bloemfontein currently for a training camp before leaving for Egypt.

Sophia’s proud mom, Filda, says Sophia has received her North West and SA colours numerous times since Ikalafeng Special School in Potchefstroom introduced her to the sport nine years ago. Sophia is the youngest of her four children.

Even though Sophia is disabled, nothing stops her from taking on a challenge with her unwavering will and perseverance, says assistant coach Deliwe. Sophia is one of only two women included in the team.

Boccia is played from a seated position and is a paralympic precision ball sport, similar to bowls. Players propel balls to land as close as possible to a white marker ball, known as the Jack. Two sides compete as individuals, in pairs, or as a team of three over a set number of ends.

It is played indoors on a flat, smooth surface, testing players’ muscle control and accuracy. Players from more than 50 countries participate in the sport.

Sophia’s mom has to pay for her SA team uniform. If you can help this courageous and remarkably talented young woman, you can make a contribution to Sophia’s mom’s account using the following banking details:

Filda Mbhoni Majoe, Standard Bank Parys, account number 101642 60755.