DISABILITY SPORTS STARS SET TO SHINE AT PROVINCIAL GAMES

By Madali Chibambu

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with Mogale Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, recently hosted a vibrant disability sports event at the Muldersdrift Multipurpose Community Centre, showcasing the talents of beneficiaries from various protective workshops.
• Six institutions competed in soccer, netball, and traditional games like Morabaraba, with enthusiastic supporters from Mogale City braving challenging weather conditions to cheer on the athletes, all proudly wearing their institutions’ colours.
• Notable moments included energising warm-up exercises led by Charles Pelusa and a speech from social worker Mokgadi Mokgothu, who emphasised the importance of recognising the athletes’ talents, while standout player “Booth” earned a nomination to represent the Western Corridor in the upcoming provincial games in October.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with Mogale Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, recently hosted an inspiring disability sports event at the Muldersdrift Multipurpose Community Centre in the Western Corridor.

The event aimed to empower beneficiaries of protective workshops by showcasing their skills in soccer, netball, and traditional games such as Morabaraba. Six institutions, including Log Wood Centre for Disability, Thusong Disability Centre, West Rand ADP, and Impumelelo Disability Centre, fiercely competed to qualify for the upcoming provincial games. Despite challenging weather conditions, enthusiastic supporters gathered from all corners of Mogale City to cheer on the athletes, who proudly wore vibrant sports gear representing their respective institutions.

Before the action-packed games commenced, Charles Pelusa, an official from the Department of Sports, led participants through energising warm-up exercises. With wide smiles and dance moves, everyone eagerly joined in. “Warm-up exercises improve performance and can be passive or active, gentle or strenuous. The best type depends on your physical condition and chosen activity,” Pelusa explained.

Mokgadi Mokgothu, a social worker from the Krugersdorp Regional Office, expressed pride in the Department’s support for the event, especially in light of South Africa’s recent success at the Paralympic Games. “There is no us without you. We are here to witness your talents, and we hope to see one of you representing us in future international competitions,” Mokgothu stated.

One standout player, known as “Booth,” received a nomination to represent the Western Corridor in the provincial games in October.

The event was made memorable by Daniel Radebe, Assistant Director and representative for Western Corridor Stakeholder Relations, who kept spirits high with lively music and humour, ensuring that both players and supporters enjoyed a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and sporting excellence.