“Dream. Believe. Achieve.”
That was the motto for the very first World Boccia Africa Regional Championships, which was held in Ekurhuleni from 16 to 23 May.
Free State athletes Naledi Maria Nhlapo (Gr. 10) of the Martie du Plessis School and ex-learner Karabo Morapedi both did very well at the event.
Naledi was included in the team of the South African Sport Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) as a BC4 boccia player.
The competition was tough, but she stood her ground, returning home with an unofficial silver in the individual category – and she won a gold medal together with her partner, Bukho Monakali, in the BC4 pairs event.
Vincent Ramochela, one of the Martie du Plessis school’s general assistants, was included as Karabo’s ramp operator in the BC3 sport class.
Together they won silver in the BC3 individual category and also brought the gold medal home together with their partners, Elanza and Sandré Jordaan, in the BC3 pairs event.
Karabo and Vincent was chosen for the SASAPD team that will take part in the World Boccia Championships, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in December.
Karabo started playing boccia at the age of 11 in 2009 at the Tswellang School. He has cerebral palsy, but that never stopped him from dreaming big.
“I love boccia, because it allows me to express my feelings and also challenges our physical strength and mental strength – and I like challenges.”
In Gr. 10 Karabo started attending the Martie du Plessis School. He matriculated in 2020.
He is currently studying to obtain a diploma in Public Management at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Welkom campus.
Karabo, as well as his assistant, has never been on an aeroplane and this is a dream come true for both of them.
Marisa Potgieter, the boccia coach at Martie du Plessis, will join the team going to Rio as team manager.
“We still need to raise the funds for the athletes, especially as boccia is still a rather unknown sport.
“The expenses for this trip is R70 000 per person, which needs to be raised before December.”
Contact Marisa on 072-210-5637 for more information.
I love boccia, because it allows me to express my feelings and also challenges our physical strength and mental strength – and I like challenges. – Karabo Morapedi
