Arno Graaff, a Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Noordheuwel wants to pursue his dreams of becoming a renowned para-athlete.
His mother Esme Graaff said for Arno to further his athletics journey he needs to get onto the World Para Athletics (WPA) ranking list which requires an international classification.
Arno has a rare condition called Ulna Dimelia (the absence of a radius, more commonly known as mirror hand).
He competed in his first South African Championships in March in Bloemfontein where he achieved many SA records in the shot put event with a distance of 10.65m and javelin (38.88m). He also just missed out on another SA record in the discus by 59cm.
“Arno will then also participate in the Pupkewitz Athletics Championships in Namibia during December where also bettered the record in the shot put and javelin events. He further won the Best Para Field Athlete award for 2023,” she said.
“Arno consistently delivers exceptional performances and aims to obtain his international classification at the upcoming World Ability Sports Youth Games in Thailand in December. Entries will open in mid-September but these events are all self-funded,” Esme continued.
In 2025, Arno aims to participate in the Winelands International Championships in Stellenbosch and has set his sights firmly on the SA Championships in March 2025.
Arno thanks everybody who believes in him, motivates him and above all thanks his heavenly father that his journey can be a testimony of encouragement and endurance to all who work hard, and dare to dream.
The big goal is to represent his country on the biggest stage, the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
For Arno to be able to achieve his dreams of competing in these above-mentioned competitions, he asks the community if they would be willing to make any contributions as all the competitions are self-funded.
If any resident or business wants to donate, contact Jurgens on 061 503 0915 or Esme on 065 824 8535.
