Two boccia players and a ramp operator recently received top awards at the prize-giving function of the Free State Sport Association for the Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired (FSSAPD). This function took place on Saturday (23/07) at Dupiespark at the Martie du Plessis School.
Karabo Morapedi, a member of the South African team that will compete in the Rio de Janeiro 2022 World Boccia Championships in December, received the title of FSSAPD Sport Star of 2022. His ramp operator, Vincent Ramochela, who will accompany him, was also acknowledged with this award.
Morapedi won a bronze medal in the national championship and was chosen for the SASAPD team that represented South Africa at the very first Africa regional championships on 16 to 23 May. Here he received a silver medal in the individual BC3 category and gold in the BC3 pairs category.
Morapedi is a member of the Martie du Plessis club, but now studies in Welkom.
The FSSAPD Junior Female Sport Star of the Year is para-cyclist Mpho Thomas (16), a learner of the Amari Special School in Welkom.
She competed in para-cycling and athletics during the national championships held from 20 to 22 March and won silver medals in the T2 800 m and 1 500 m, gold in the T37 long jump and silver medals in the F37 javelin and the shotput.
PJ Klopper (14) of Martie du Plessis was announced as the junior male sport star of the year. He won the Hein Wagner Trophy for the best junior athlete with visual impairment at the national championships.
Klopper received gold medals in the high jump, javelin, 100 m and long jump, and bettered two South African records in the high jump and javelin.
Naledi Nhlapo (18), of Martie du Plessis, took part in the Africa regional championships and received an unofficial silver individually and gold in the BC4 pairs.
Marisa Potgieter, coach of the boccia team, received the FSSAPD’s award for the team of the year, and the award for coach of the year. Inge Pieterse was acknowledged as most valued contributor for helping the team. Lizelle Cronje received the award for administrator of the year for para-cycling. Ernesta Strydom received an award for her mentorship.
