Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) President, John Mathane, last week presented official national kit to six Para-athletes selected to represent South Africa at the Para Athletics World Championships taking place in Dubai this month.

The six track and field specialists from Gauteng North, who are associated with Pretoria-based IsAbility Sports Club, forms part of a squad of 35 athletes and officials that will fly South Africa’s flag at this important stop ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

“Athletics Gauteng North is proud to pledge its support to our disabled athletes. We aim to continue this commitment going forward, towards the 2020 and 2024 Games. To the athletes – remember what wearing the green and gold means to you, and to the country as a whole,” said Mathane adding that the team should do what it takes to bring home the medals.

Now in its 10th year, IsAbility Sports Club was launched by IceXpress Progressive Prosthetics’ Johan Snyders. His involvement in disabled sport dates back to the 2008 Paralympics when T44 sprinter, Arnu Fourie came onto the scene.

Snyders started this club to provide a platform for athletes living with physical disabilities to participate at the highest level.

The six athletes from Pretoria on their way to Dubai Mandilené Hoffmann (F44), Simoné Kruger (F38), Sheryl James (T37), Manie Blom (F12), Daniel du Plessis (T62) and blade-sprinter Ntando Mahlangu (T61).

Mahlangu made headlines in 2016 when he won 200m silver for South Africa at the Rio Paralympics at only 14 years of age.

“I am extremely proud of this group going to represent South Africa at senior World Champs. This is a building phase for us. With 2020 around the corner and the goal being 2024, it is exciting to see these young athletes already on world-class standard,” said Snyders.

The selection criteria for disabled athletes to represent South Africa on the world stage is very strict. An athlete has to be a medal contender and rank in the top six in their division, to be considered.

“This group of local stars is a good example of our contingency plan. Young talent is coming through, and seniors will help to lead the way. I am sure we will see some gold medals for South Africa in Dubai,” Snyders concluded.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram