The fourth annual Athletics Day of the Down Syndrome Association Pretoria / Tshwane Sports Club was a remarkable event in more than one way.

More than 500 athletes with Down Syndrome travelled from all over South Africa to Pretoria to attend and participate in this exceptional sporting event, which was presented at the Tuks Athletics Stadium on the Tuks Sports Campus in Hatfield this year.

The athletics event, which is officially the largest of its kind in South Africa, annually accommodates athletes with Down Syndrome of all ages. The youngest athletes were those pushed by their parents in prams in a special race for this category, while the oldest competitor was over 60 years old.

In addition to the pram race, there were also two Kick Bike races for the very youngest participants (0-3) and also for the 4-5 age group.

This year, this unique athletic event was hosted for the fourth time and with more than 500 participants, a new record was set – it was officially the largest event of its kind ever in South Africa.

Athletes take part in various age groups from the youngest (2-5 years) to the 19-24-year olds, after which the seniors over 25 participate in an open section.

The event kicked off with two fun walk items. First in line was the 400m walk (one lap around the athletics track) for athletes up to 11 years and then followed the 1500m walk for the older athletes.

The official opening ceremony, which followed the fun items such as the fun walks and the Kick Bike Races, was also something special and parents of athletes could accompany their children on the track to sing the national anthem.

Subsequently, the program consisted of track items such as races over distances of 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m, as well as field items such as discus, shot put, javelin and long jump.

The Down Syndrome Association Pretoria / Tshwane believes that sport plays a fundamental part in physical and mental development of any athlete. Skills learned during participation in sport also contribute to the holistic development of the athlete. Therefore, they want to encourage sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle in persons with Down syndrome.

The Association’s Sport Club also joined the South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASAII). Through this membership their sportsmen now have the opportunity to participate in sports such as athletics and swimming at national and international level.

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