1 June 2004

By Clifford Mogotsi

MOGALE City's disabled athletes - some in wheelchairs and some using walking sticks - flocked to the Bob Van Reenen Stadium recently to take part in an annual sports day.

The event was organised by Mogale City's office for disabled persons.

Moss Komane, one of the organisers, said he was disappointed by the absence of Ace Ntsoelengoe of Kaizer Chiefs. The soccer star had promised to hold soccer clinics.

However, the day was a fun one packed with sports such as archery, track races and soccer. And the Coca Cola truck had participants dancing to the music it blared.

One of them, Sheron Brown, said: "My favourite sport is cycling but today I had the best day of my life."

Komane, a basketball player, said he was happy disabled people had taken part.

He said: "This is the second year that we have held this event and we are still negotiating to have leagues for the different sports codes that will include basketball and athletics."

Komane and Mokutu Moeketsi, also from the office for disabled persons, recently attended a local-government disability course to learn about the constitution.

"We are proud to have attended that meeting. The president's office considers our office a role model to other offices around Gauteng," said Moeketsi.

Participants applauded the pair's work.

Tlhabaki Modise said: "We need people like bra Moss and Mokutu in our society, they contribute a lot in the development of this country."

Thusong Centre for Mentally Disabled Persons, Itereleng, Gate Way, Tshwaraganang, Masiphakameni. Thembile Primary School and Kagiso Junior Secondary School took part.

All 70 participants were awarded certificates.

Mogale's sports and recreation co-ordinator, Nico van Wyk, helped with the archery. He said: "I am happy to see many people taking part in this sport because last year we had few."

And Papi Motaung put aside his daily routine as a traffic controller and joined Komane and Moeketsi in the festivities.

The organisers thanked Nike for sponsoring the children's shoes and Woolworths for providing snacks.

"We appeal to the people to participate in sport and join teams, Komane said.

"Next year we will be holding the same event and we going to be happy to see the whole of Mogale City come in their numbers to support the disabled people," he said.