Blind runner Louzanne Coetzee encourages others with disabilities to be active

Blind runner Louzanne Coetzee encourages other people with disabilities to take up running, whether competitively or socially.

The Paralympic medallist was speaking at the launch of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi. She has never competed in the annual SPAR Grand Prix series but this year aims to take the Joburg leg ‘very seriously’.

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“I have never done the Joburg route so I do not know what to expect but obviously we will give our all on the day,” she said, referring to herself, her coach and her guides.

Coetzee won a silver medal in the women’s 1 500m T11 race at the World Para Athletics Championships in France earlier in July. She also won two medals at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2021: another silver in the women’s 1 500m T11 race and a bronze in the marathon T12.

“The sports community is a very loving and a warm community and I would want anyone with a disability to be involved and a part of that,” the Bloemfontein runner said. “If you just want to run for fun, I would just say go out there and do it. Don’t be scared. Go and do that and be active because it is really amazing to be able to be active and to be able to compete and participate.”

For those wanting to run professionally, Coetzee urged them to reach out to their sports federation, which will connect them with the correct disabled sports community, and help a person be classified and enter the regional and national championships.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi will see 5km and 10km runs at Marks Park Sports Club on October 1. Entries can be made online at www.sparwomensjozi.co.za