It’s off to Abu Dhabi!
DIEPSLOOT – Two South African equestrian riders with intellectual disabilities have secured their spots at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in March next year.
Robyn Kirk
robynk@caxton.co,za
Two South African athletes, Rowan Bishop and Annatjie de Villiers, have been selected to travel to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics World Summer Games, next March.
The riders were chosen during the Special Olympics Equestrian event hosted at the Shumbashaba (lion of the nation) Horses Helping People facility near Diepsloot on 7 April. There were about 34 riders registered to compete on the day from around South Africa, all of them with intellectual disabilities. Riders were either able to ride independently or had someone walking beside them holding the reins.
“At the end of the competition day, the winners in each category [had] their names placed into a hat – one hat for the males and one hat for the females – to find two winners,” explained Jacky du Plessis, founding trustee of Shumbashaba and an official on the day. “These two winners will represent South Africa at the World Summer Games next year.
“Participation is greater than the competition, and the Special Olympics is really about encouraging a healthier and active lifestyle.”
The men and women took part in English Equitation and Working Trails categories of competition in different classes for the chance to represent South Africa at next year’s games. English Equitation is judged on horsemanship and the rider’s control and positioning, while the Working Trails category is based on overcoming obstacles on a route. There was also the potential for a dressage category, although no riders entered into this field in 2018 and therefore it wasn’t included. “The day gives everyone a chance to acknowledge how far they’ve come in their riding. Shumbashaba runs a number of programmes like this for children with disabilities and other special needs, which rely on donations,” said Brea Bergh, an instructor at Shumbashaba.
After the day’s competitions had ended, an awards ceremony was held and the results in five different classes in both riding categories were announced and honoured with rosettes. The names of each first-placed rider, based on gender, were placed into one of two hats from where the winners were drawn. “I’m very happy to have won, and very excited [for next year’s games],” male winner, Rowan Bishop told the Review.
Annatjie de Villiers shared his sentiment. “I’m baie, baie [very, very] happy,” she told the newspaper with a smile.
Details and for more information: www.shumbashaba.co.za
