KwaThema – KwaThema Disability Sports Academy is proud that one of their sportsmen, Neo Gova (23), was selected to compete in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix.
The competition will be held from August 28 to 30 in Paris, and Neo will compete in the 100m, 200m and 400m.
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During the competition, athletes will be competing according to their functional classification in each event.
Some compete in wheelchairs and some with prostheses, while those who are visually impaired receive guidance from a sighted guide.
Unfortunately, there is a good chance that Neo might not be able to participate in the world competition.
Coach Aubrey Mathibela says the athlete and academy does not have enough funds for Neo’s flight ticket and accommodation.
“We have tried raising funds from local business people with no success; we are calling on anyone who is interested in making his dream of competing on the world stage to come forward.
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“Our athletes work very hard to qualify for the international matches, but because they are often hosted abroad they end up not being able to participate because of the exorbitant funds,” he explains.
Mathibela added that a team of 15 players are also preparing for the upcoming Gauteng trials for the physically challenged at Boksburg Stadium on August 3.
“We are hoping that they make it to the next leg of the competition,” he says.
