Limpopo was not only well represented at the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) Championships, held from 28 March to 1 April in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, but also managed to share the podium several times with many of the country's top national athletes.
In total, 25 athletes from the Isability Sports Club Limpopo, based in Louis Trichardt, attended the national championships. The team consisted of seven senior women, 11 senior men, and seven juniors under the age of 20.
These local athletes shone brightly, winning a total of 24 gold medals, nine silver medals, and 14 bronze medals.
Vhuthuhawe Nemutandani, a double amputee (class F61), won gold in both the under-17 discus (standing) and under-17 javelin (standing), setting South African records in both events. This youngster from Emmanuel Christian School in Louis Trichardt also served as a Jumping Kids Junior Ambassador at the nationals. Jumping Kids is a Section 21 Trust, classified as a non-profit organisation (2009/018078/08), which supplies and maintains quality prosthetic equipment for children living with lower-limb amputation or limb-related disabilities across South Africa and beyond.
Another youngster and Jumping Kids beneficiary to excel at the nationals was the visually impaired Masala Makatu (class T12), who won gold in both the 100m and 400m. Makatu is currently a Grade 11 learner at Champions Academy. He previously attended the Rivoni School for the Blind and has very limited vision in both eyes.
Ndieni Netshivhambe (class T/F44), a learner from Thohoyandou Technical Secondary School and also a Jumping Kids beneficiary, secured gold in the 100m, 200m, and javelin (seated) under-17 category.
Also sharing the podium was Louis Trichardt's own Paralympian, Sheryl James. Competing in the T37 class, Sheryl brought home gold medals in the women's 100m, 200m, and 400m events.
In addition to the aforementioned gold medallists, gold medals were also awarded to Simon Chabangu (100m and 200m T55), Rofhulufhela Madwioledza (100m T34), Junior Mukansi (100m and 200m T63), Miracle Malatji (100m and 200m T61), Mhumbani Masakona (javelin seated F55), Ishmael Tshipuke (javelin seated F44), Tshepiso Mangena (javelin seated F57), Louisa Mapayini (javelin standing F42), Living Mashala (javelin standing F35), Joseph Mhlanga (discus standing F44), and Vhumbani Masakona (javelin seated F55). Masakona, who is also the Isability throws coach, took home a bronze in the shotput.
"It was once again a great privilege to see young athletes from all over the country overcoming great odds to compete," said Sheryl after the event. She noted that many athletes had had to endure a long drive just to get to Gqeberha.
James said it was heart-warming to see the athletes, young and old, content with the least of things, putting on big smiles and delivering strong performances. "I am honoured to be counted among these incredible people who, in spite of their physical challenges, persevere and choose to see the best in life. The athletics track proves to be a place where new and old friends come together and enjoy some friendly competition. We get to encourage each other, push each other to strive for more, and share some good laughs," said James. Overall, she concluded, the Limpopo team delivered a solid performance, with many medals to show for it.