Fulufhelo Special School in Thohoyandou Block G hosted the Limpopo Cross Country selection event for the South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) on Wednesday, 14 May. The event was held at Babylon Resort in Thohoyandou.
According to Ms Rocky Makgokga, chairperson of SASA-II Limpopo, the trials were part of the provincial selection process for the 2025 national games. Intellectually impaired children under the age of 16 competed in four race categories: 2 km, 3 km, 4 km and 6 km.
"We have 24 affiliates in the province—23 special schools and one club. From these trials, we will select 20 athletes to represent Limpopo at the national games, which will be held in the Western Cape from 5 to 10 October," said Makgokga.
She explained that SASA-II also manages five sporting codes, including basketball, athletics and ball games. "The Department of Education and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo will now take over preparations, including travel, accommodation and meals for the selected athletes," she added.
Mr William Ramaano, principal of Fulufhelo Special School, thanked SASA-II Limpopo for choosing the school to host the provincial selections. "On behalf of our learners and parents, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for trusting us with this responsibility," he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the sports teams from the 19 participating special schools across Limpopo for preparing their athletes. "To all our athletes, we wish you the best—go and represent our province with pride," he said.
Ramaano praised his staff for their teamwork and dedication. "Teamwork, mutual understanding, support, and appreciation of one another will always take us far. Thank you to the Fulufhelo team for making this event a success," he said.