Para-athletics
A first of its kind, the Isability Fit-to-Fly event at Louis Trichardt High School’s Leeupark on 5 October has been hailed by many as the foundation for an annual event, with the potential to become a unifying, community-driven initiative. The Isability Sport Club is extremely grateful for the energy and support shown by various community-based organisations, sponsors, small businesses, and locals, as well as supporters and sponsors from other provinces.
Fun runners braved the cold, windy weather to run alongside Paralympic gold and bronze medallist Mpumelelo Mhlongo, local Paralympian star Sheryl James, and talented Paralympian discus thrower and record holder at the World Youth Games, Yané van der Merwe.
“There was great excitement when Vhutu, our local Jumping Kids ambassador, completed the fun run in a track racing chair. Another of our celebrity visitors, single amputee dancer Lethabo Shai, completed the 5 km on crutches. The Soutpansberg Athletics Club organised the fun run, and their members showed us that not only can they run long distances, but they also have members who are outstanding 100m sprinters,” said one of the organisers, Sandy James.
The 100m dash also drew young Jumping Kids blade runners, who showcased what is possible. A wheelchair push dash over 100m produced some remarkable performances. Cash prizes, sponsored by the Summit Africa Foundation, were awarded by their representative, Tannith Thompson. Prizes for schools were generously sponsored by Surat Patel.
About 85 senior para-athletes from Tzaneen, Polokwane, Giyani, Maruleng, Makhuduthamaga, Elim, Nzhelele, Thohoyandou, Collins Chabane, and Louis Trichardt spent the morning competing in javelin, discus, and shot-put events. These athletes were generously hosted and catered for by the Vhembe District Municipality. MMK Insurance Administrators, a local business, kindly sponsored the medals, and the acting mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality presented certificates of appreciation to athletes who had excelled at the 2024 SASAPD National Championships.
Adding a vibrant touch to the day, local artist Inarie de Vaal produced a stunning canvas to reflect the theme ‘Fit-to-Fly,’ which attendees enthusiastically signed, committing to being 'fit to fly' in whatever capacity they could. Inarie also displayed some of her beautiful artwork. The local SPCA farmers' market and various arts and crafts stalls braved the weather to offer a variety of local produce and items, while several food stalls kept attendees well fed with delicious treats. Young dancers from the Dance-for-Joy studio entertained the crowd, while Karen Louw from Studio-K demonstrated how to stay toned and balanced with an interactive Pilates session featuring volunteer participants.
Discover Sport, a media house based in Johannesburg, was present to film the day’s activities and produced a video of key moments and interviews, which is available on their website, DISCOVERSPORT.com. “We were also privileged to have Mr Ben Thomas as our master of ceremonies. His engaging commentary kept the atmosphere lively and maintained momentum throughout the day,” said James.
On behalf of Isability, James expressed gratitude to all the sponsors, stakeholders, and supporters, without whom this special event would not have been possible. They include the Summit Africa Foundation, MMK Insurance, Discover Sport, Talisman for mobile accessible toilets, Oasis Water, Macridge, Surat Patel, Blissbrands, Soontoe, and Soutpansberg Valley Flowers.
“The Soutpansberg Athletics Club deserves special thanks, as do Emmanuel Christian School and Emmanuel Christian Church for providing volunteer staff, Pastor Jimmy Scheepers for opening the day’s proceedings, Louis Trichardt High School for generously allowing us to use the venue and facilities, Karen Louw from Studio-K (Pilates), Betty and the dancers from Dance-for-Joy, Lethabo Shai, Danie from Matrix Security, DJ Jonty, Inarie de Vaal, Mr Avhatakali Themeli from the Vhembe District Municipality, the acting Vhembe District Mayor, Ben Thomas, and last but by no means least, a huge thank you to our elite Paralympians and medallists, who chose to spend a few days with us,” said James.
