Para-basketball players shoots for the stars
Bongumenzi Biyela has launched a BackABuddy page to raise money for the specialised chair that will cost R80 000.
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD para-basketball star Bongumenzi Biyela has recently been selected to be a part of the National Senior Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Squad of 27 who will represent South Africa in Ghana in September of this year. Biyela had both his legs amputated shortly after he was born due to peripheral vascular disease and has been playing wheelchair basketball since he was seven years old.
In December of last year, Biyela was selected for the South African National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team, and this year, Biyela says he hopes to push himself so he can qualify to compete in the Paralympics in Paris in 2024. However, after overcoming so many physical obstacles, there is one obstacle still standing in his way. The 17-year-old needs a specialised wheelchair in order to help him compete on a national and international level.
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VICKI Thorpe, Biyela’s physiotherapist, says that the wheelchair will help him perform to the best of his abilities.
“Bongumenzi is already a stellar wheelchair basketball player, but the wheelchair that he uses is a standard wheelchair provided by the school. If he was able to get the specialised wheelchair, he could compete on a higher level, and with him already qualifying for international competitions, we want to do everything we can to raise the money that is needed to get him this wheelchair. So many people believe in him, and that’s because he is truly talented, and we think he could go a really long way in this sport.”
Biyela has launched a BackABuddy page to raise money for the specialised chair that will cost R80 000.
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“Wheelchair basketball is a highly specialised sport. Having my own basketball wheelchair will allow me to improve my skills and perform at my highest level. To those who sponsor and donate towards this basketball wheelchair, I will always be deeply grateful as you would have helped me reach my goal of playing for my country and making my dreams come true,” said Biyela.
To help Bongumenzi Biyela achieve his goals visit his BackABuddy Page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/bongumenzi-biyela-5553791540122015945
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