Hope School learner competes for SA at World Wheelchair Basketball Championship
From Westcliff to Brazil, Sicelimpilo Sibisi is proving that disability is no barrier to representing your country on the world stage.
Sicelimpilo Sibisi, a matric learner at Hope School in Westcliff, recently represented South Africa at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Men’s U23 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Brazil.
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Born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, a rare condition affecting the growth of the lower limbs, Sicelimpilo has faced many challenges from a young age. After struggling in mainstream schools due to limited accessibility, he joined Hope School in Grade 7, where he found the support and understanding he needed.
In Grade 8, he was introduced to wheelchair basketball and quickly fell in love with the sport. With hard work and commitment, he earned a place in the national U23 team, competing in Egypt, Libya, and, most recently, Brazil. “Sport has taught me discipline, and that I don’t have to do everything alone.”
Now back home, Sicelimpilo hopes to inspire other young people living with disabilities. He dreams of growing his sporting career and raising awareness about inclusion and accessibility. “Having a disability isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of doing things differently.”
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