Johannesburg – To celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, four deaf netball teams played a mini-tournament at the SPAR National Netball Championships.
The only difference from the other matches was that the umpires used bright flags rather than whistles to attract the players’ attention.
The opening ceremony of the SPAR National Netball Championships took place at Ellis Park Netball on Monday.
The ceremony included a special candle ceremony to commemorate World Aids Day, 16 Days of Activism, #ENDGBVF, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
As part of the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, four top deaf netball teams, Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Northern Cape participated in a mini tournament as part of the SPAR National Netball Championships.
It was the first time such a mini-tournament had been organised at the national championships.
Speaking after the matches, President of Deaf Netball South Africa Patricia Kgamane said: “This is very important for us as Deaf Netball South Africa.
“When you look back in history, this has never happened so this is a great opportunity and it’s got a lot of benefits, to motivate and inspire many athletes who will want to become part of this.
“We want to thank Netball South Africa for integrating disability sport. This is what we call inclusion.”
