Johannesburg – A squad of 26 athletes and officials has been named to represent South Africa at this year’s World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, France.
The team comprises a great blend of experienced athletes who have excelled at international para events.
The team includes Paralympians Ndodomzi Jonathan Ntutu, Zanele Situ, Tyron Pillay, Louzanne Coetzee, Liezel Gouws, Sheryl James, Mpumelelo Mhlongo and Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist in para-cycling Pieter du Preez will stand out as key members.
The World Para Athletics Championships take place next month from 8 to 17 July.
These championships play a crucial role in athletes’ pursuit of securing slots for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Any athlete finishing in the top 4 or better will qualify for one slot.
SASCOC President, Barry Hendricks, on Tuesday, congratulated the team, stating: “Our team has a proven track record of exceptional performances at national, regional, and international para events.
“We are confident that the selected team is a strong one that will make us proud at the World Para Athletics Championships.
“With Paris 2024 Paralympics drawing closer, excitement fills the air, and such events hold significant importance in the sports calendar as they serve as qualifiers for athletes to secure Paralympic slots.”
Hendricks also gave a “heartfelt thank you to our partners”, Bidvest, Toyota, Citibank, National Lotteries Commission, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Price Sport and Planet Fitness.
Hendrick said their support enables the team’s participation in this prestigious event.
He wished the athletes the very best of luck at this important sporting event.
SASCOC CEO, Nozipho Jafta said: “The selected team is a strong unit with extensive global experience. Several team members have achieved medals at various competition levels, including the Paralympics.
As the Paralympic committee, one of our main strategic pillars is to intensify our efforts on the investment of athletes with disabilities.
“It is gratifying to see such a strong team representing the nation and we remain committed to fostering transformation within our teams.”
She further emphasised the significance of the World Para Athletics Championships in the journey towards the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Jafta urged the athletes to perform to the best of their ability, as these championships also serve as qualifiers for all track and field events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The full team is as follows:
NAME SURNAME GENDER EVENT OR POSITION
Ntombizanele Situ Female Javelin F54
Tezna Abrahams Female LJ/200m T44
Sheryl James Female 100m/200m/400m T37
Louzanne Coetzee Female 1500m T11
Liezel Gouws Female 100m/400m T37
Yane Vd Merwe Female Discus F64
Juane Le Roux Female Shot Put/Discus F 47
Simone Kruger Female Discus – F38
Ndodomzi Ntutu Male 100m T12
Mpumelelo Mhlongo Male 100m/Long Jump T44
Puseletso Mabote Male 100m/Long Jump T62
Tebogo Mofokeng Male 100m/400m T62
Refilwe Mosifane Male 400m T36
Jaco Smit Male 100m/400m T12
Kerwin Noemdo Male Shot Put – F46
Tyrone Pillay Male Shot Put F63
Brandon Beack Male 1500m/400m/100m T52
Pieter Du Preez Male 100m/400m T51
Erasmus Badenhorst Male GUIDE
Clause Kempen Male GUIDE
COACHES AND MANAGEMENT
Lappies Swanepoel Female Team Leader
Jason Sewanyana Male Jumping Coach
Daniël Damon Male Field Coach
Michael Lourens Male Field Coach
Raymond Julies Male Track Coach
Ilse Du Preez Female Assistant to P Du Preez
