Athletes proud of medals
Two intellectually impaired learners from the city returned with bronze medals from the International Championships for People with Down Syndrome, which was held in Portugal recently.
POLOKWANE – Two intellectually impaired learners from the city returned with bronze medals from the International Championships for People with Down Syndrome, which was held in Portugal recently.
Selaelo Rapholo won the medal for javelin. He also participated in 200 m and table tennis.
Mahlodi Nkadimeng was awarded for table tennis.
The national coach, Helen Pheeha said she was impressed with the players’ performance, and was confident they would do well in the next international games, which would be held in the province next year.
“I am sure the players will get top positions in the next championships. The Portugal championships went well and they were very professional,” she said.
Thabang Nkadimeng, Mahlodi’s father said he was happy to see his daughter do well in table tennis, and that he saw a bright future ahead of her.
Selaelo’s mother, Johanna thanked God and the Botlokwa community for their support.
Lizzie Vogel, the president of South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired said the championships were of a high standard, and South Africa was proud to have such talented athletes. “We were well supported by other countries and I think South Africa is valued among other nations,” she said.
Mahlodi and Selaelo described the trip to Portugal as educational and fascinating.
Limpopo Academy of Sports manager, Slate Shiluvane said the academy had prepared the athletes since the national championships in Durban.
“We assisted the athletes with camps and taught them life skills and prepared them by training them thoroughly,” said Shiluvane.
