Cape Town - Four pupils from Be-El School in Kuilsriver have been selected to participate in the Special Olympics to be held in Limpopo next month.
One of the pupils is Theodore Barnes from Delft, an avid runner, swimmer, soccer and rugby player.
Barnes is in his final year at the school and is ending the school year off on a high note by taking part in the Special Olympics for athletics.
Barnes is gearing up to take on the 100 metre race.
The teenager, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, says he is excited to be part of the event.
“I am so overjoyed, I feel I can take on the world. I do not have a place to train so I do my running sessions at the rugby sports field here in Delft. I have done the 100 meters before during athletics at school and I was in first place.
He said he was looking forward to the event.
“When I run, I feel free. I feel very excited.”
Barnes' sister, Zudith Parish, who spoke on behalf of the family said he deserved to be part of the event.
“He excels in all kinds of sports such as swimming, running, rugby, soccer and long jump. He has received medals and two trophies for soccer. He has been running since he was in primary school and he is very dedicated.”
She added that the event was supposed to have taken place two years ago, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are very proud of him. He is very excited and he never gave up hope. He is an example to all of us.”
Parish said they were waiting further communication on the cost for transportation to, and accommodation at the event.
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, said they were proud of the pupils who had reached for their goals despite their challenges.
He asked the province and residents to support the pupils.
“This is a fantastic achievement! We warmly congratulate our learners and are looking forward to seeing all that they will achieve on the national stage. We urge all residents of the Western Cape to offer our learners their support for the competition in September.”
WCED spokesperson Unathi Booi confirmed that four pupils from the school would be participating.
“The WCED believes four learners from the school will be attending,” he said. “We would like to congratulate these learners and all learners in the Western Cape that have been selected to represent the Province at the Special Olympics taking place in September 2022.
“We hope they do themselves and this province proud.”
