A host of South Africa’s celebrated Paralympic stars will turn out at the Nedbank National Championships for Physically Disabled in Johannesburg from March 29 to April 2, as they continue their build-up to next year’s Rio Paralympic Games.
The country has strengthened its status as one of the leading Paralympic nations in the world in recent years, and the annual national championships, hosted by the SA Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD), will again provide a platform for the cream of the crop to display their talents on home soil.
“South Africa has proved to be one of the biggest supporters and contributors to disabled sport around the world, and these championships will again highlight the increasing interest around the nation,” said Isaac Shadung, President of SASAPD.
“We call on family; friends and sporting enthusiasts to arrive in their droves and support our athletes as they again prove how much can be achieved in the battle against physical adversity.”
With the likes of retired swimmer Natalie du Toit and versatile endurance athlete Ernst van Dyk having gone on to achieve star status at global level, the Nedbank National Championships will again provide a launching pad for a new generation to build on their achievements. The eight-day event will include eight sport codes – athletics, boccia, cycling, football, goalball, judo, powerlifting and swimming – held at various venues around Johannesburg.
“As a bank for all, Nedbank is committed to enabling our communities to make things that really matter happen. Through our sponsorship of the national championships we are enabling the achievement of athletes with disabilities. Athletes who don’t always enjoy the benefits of corporate sponsors” said Tobie Badenhorst; Portfolio Manager for Group Sponsorships at Nedbank.
“While the elite athletes are certain to display their class once again, we also hope a new breed of athletes will showcase their ability as South Africa continues to be a driving force for disabled sport around the world.” concluded Badenhorst.
