SECUNDA – The South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASAII) Games were officially opened by the MEC of Education, Ms Reginah Mhlaule, at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium om Monday, 26 October.
All nine provinces were represented during the opening and the Govan Mbeki Municipal executive mayor, Ms Lindi Masina, gave a welcoming note.
During her speech, the MEC said sport plays a significant role in our lives.
“As the Mpumalanga Department of Education, we always encourage our pupils to take part in extra curriculum activities because they play an important role in a child’s development process.
“This is therefore even more important for pupils with special needs, as it encourages a great improvement of levels of physical heal and well being, especially improvements in self confidence, social awareness and self esteem,” said Ms Mhlaule.
She further mentioned that we come a long way as a nation to reach the point where we are today in terms of the provision of sport and recreational opportunities and access for people living with disabilities.
The MEC said we have to acknowledge that the provision of access for people with disabilities to quality physical activity and sporting opportunities must be addressed on an equal basis with those of their non-disabled peers.
Addressing the pupils she said,“I want to see you one day on television, representing South Africa in the Paralympics, raising the flag of our country with pride and confidence, it may seem like a far fetched dream, but whatever you set your mind on, you can achieve.”
The games were opened with the national anthem and the African Union anthem and they will end on Friday, 30 October.
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