The top sport stars with disabilities in the province are annually honoured at the Free State Sport Stars gala dinner.
The best sportsmen and women in this category form part of the cream of the crop receiving recognition at the glamorous event, presented by Central24 and the University of the Free State.
The awards evening is known for its renowned guest speakers and this year it will be the Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis. She guided South Africa to the round of 16 for the first time ever at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Previous guest speakers include the likes of Wayde van Niekerk, Morné du Plessis and Gary Player.
Sport Stars with Disabilities honoured in 2023 are:
- Louzanne Coetzee (Para Athletics – T11) and
Coetzee and her guide, Estean Badenhorst, won a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. She ran a season best time of 4:48.13 (women’s 1 500m) and qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games. She ran the London Marathon with her guide, Claus Kempen, and also qualified for the marathon at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Coetzee won a bronze medal and broke a South African record in the 400m at the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) national championships. She also won gold in the 800m and 1500m.
Michiel Kruger (blind bowls)
Kruger took part in the International Bowls Association for the Visually Impaired World Championship in Australia. He won a doubles silver medal for South Africa with his teammate, Tracy Smith from Gauteng. He also won two silver medals at the South African Championships for the Visually Impaired – in the singles and doubles (with Smith).
Karabo Morapedi (boccia, BC3) and Vincent Ramochela (ramp operator)
Morapedi represented South Africa at the World Boccia Championships in Rio de Janeiro and finished 24th (individual) and 16th (pairs) in the world respectively. He claimedwon a gold medal (pairs) at the World Boccia Africa Regional Championships in Cairo and is therefore an African champion. They also qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Morapedi won a bronze medal (individual) at the SASAPD national championships and a silver (individual) at the Boccia Interprovincial competition in Bloemfontein.
