With the amazing
performances of the London Paralympics still fresh in our minds, Bridging
Abilities, Inspire2Become and the Stellenbosch University Sport Science Department hosted a
Paralympic Awareness Day for children with disabilities on the 20th
October.
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| Schools arriving at the venue |
On the morning of the event, the registration area was a hub of excitement
as upon arrival, the learners each received a name tag, a bottle of water and were
allocated a group in which they would be doing the activities.
After a short welcoming by Candace Vermaak, Co- Executive
director of Bridging Abilities, Fanie van der Merwe, Co-Executive Director of
Inspire2Become, gave a short speech in which he shared some of his experiences
at the London 2012 Paralympics. After Fanie’s motivational speech about how he
persevered after the initial disappointment of his 200m race, it was time for
the games to begin.
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| Sitting volleyball being played by the children and Paralympic athletes |
The children who had a variety of disabilities including
spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, amputations, cerebral palsy, visual
impairments and legally blind, went into three separate halls to enjoy their
first Paralympic sports activity. In each hall there were a range of activities
such as sitting volleyball, basketball, boccia and athletics. The layout of
the department once again allowed the kids with mobility problems to move
around independently.
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| Fanie, Duane, Roxy, Anrune and Zanelle. |
Adding to the excitement of the day was the fact that a
handful of Paralympic athletes joined in the activities of the day. Anrune
Liebenberg (2012 Paralympic women’s 200m T46 bronze medallist and 400m silver
medallist), Roxy Burns( Para-cyclist), Zanele Situ (2000 and 2004 medalist in
the F54/55 javelin catergory) and Fanie van der Merwe (2012 100m T37 gold
medallist), spent the morning sharing their experiences as well as
participating in the activities with the children. The activities were
fabulously presented by the third year sport science students. The day ended
off with a lovely group photo. As each child was leaving, he/she got an
autographed photo of one of the Paralympic athletes who were present, as well
as a packed lunch.
Bridging Abilites, Inspire2Become and Stellenbosch Sport
Science Department would like to thank the third year students,
as well as our sponsors and service providers who made this event possible. We
hope to be hosting many more such events in the future.
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| Paralympic Awareness Day Group Photo |
For more information either visit our website (www.bridgingabilities.co.za), our Facebook page or email us on info@bridgingabilities.co.za
