Special needs athletes excel at SASA-II Limpopo Championships
The SASA-II Limpopo Athletics Championships showcased special needs athletes, with Fulofelo Special School winning overall.
MOKOPANE – The annual South African Sport Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) Limpopo Athletics Championships took place last week at Waterberg High School’s sports grounds.
The two-day event brought together 22 special schools, providing a platform for learners with special needs to showcase their athletic abilities while promoting unity and sportsmanship.
“This event is dedicated to athletics for learners with intellectual impairments. It is an annual provincial competition that serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes to qualify for national-level competitions. We are proud to see our learners participate and showcase their abilities,” said Rocky Makgoka, SASA-II Limpopo chairperson. The championship was hosted by Lebone Special School from Mahwelereng in partnership with the Department of Education and various local stakeholders.
Fulofelo Special School claimed first place, followed by Grace and Hope Special School in second and Limpopo Sports Club in third.
Several outstanding athletes were also recognised with individual awards. Mnisi January from Asipumelele Special School won the best senior male athlete trophy, while Shadung Johanna from Phatlaphadipma Special School took home the best senior female athlete trophy.
In the senior Down Syndrome category, Matsaung Koos from Limpopo Sports Club was awarded the best male athlete trophy, and Motswi Suzan from Botlokwa Special School won the best female athlete trophy.
In the junior category, Makhubela Steven Boitumelo from Grace and Hope Special School was named the best junior male athlete, with Makgoka Relebogile Manoko, also from Grace and Hope Special School, receiving the best junior female athlete trophy.
The best junior male Down Syndrome athlete award went to Dimo Thlolo from Tsoga-O-Itirele Special School, and the best junior female Down Syndrome athlete trophy was awarded to Ncube Amanda from Tsoga-O-Itirele Special School.
Makgoka expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the championship. “As SASA-II Limpopo, we sincerely thank both the Departments of Education, the hosting school, sponsors, media, principals, Sasa-II Limpopo executives, parents, and all other stakeholders. Most importantly, we celebrate our incredible special needs athletes – the true stars of the day. Well done, and may God bless you all.”
