Polokwane gears up to play host to paravolley championships

POLOKWANE – Dama made this statement during the paravolley league closing games which also served as the launch of this sporting code in the province at the Westenburg Community Hall recently.

She says it is a big honour to host the competition in the city. “Through the hard work and effort that went into preparing for the tournament, we fear no one because we are prepared to take on the toughest teams and come out tops,” says Dama.

She explains that paravolley is volleyball for people with disabilities. They play it seated on the court floor.

“Limpopo and the Western Cape have participated in paravolley since it was introduced to the country and we hope to develop the sport in all five districts in the province,” she says.

“Our vision is to build a strong team that will represent our country in the 2019 Japan Paralympics,” she continues. She says paravolley is fast becoming a popular sport and she believes the team will do South Africa proud in the upcoming tournaments.

Assistant Director in the recreation unit of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Molelemane Segwale, says their department is ready to support this sporting code and the provincial team.

“The department’s main role is to ensure we give our players support,” says Segwale. He says it is their job to ensure people with disabilities are respected and that they are afforded opportunities in different sporting codes. Paravolley South Africa President, Anton Raimondo, says he is happy with the progress the provincial team has made.

“It’s great to see how much paravolley has grown in the province and to see people’s enthusiasm when participating in the game is encouraging,” says Raimondo.

Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana and Zambia are among of the national teams that will take part in the national championships.

thoko@nmgroup.co.za