Rackets at the ready for Rio
WESTDENE – Four passionate wheelchair tennis stars will be among the 45 to represent South Africa at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Two local tennis aces, Lucas Sithole and Evans Maripa plan to make South Africa proud at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The two Westdene residents were selected as part of the 45 who will represent our country, come September. They will also be joined by former Westdene resident, world number nine, Kgothatso Montjane, who recently clinched the Belgian Open women’s doubles with her Colombian partner, Angelica Bernal, on 23 July and newcomer Leon Els.
Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) director and coach, Holger Losch said the three players are ready for the challenge they will face in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7-18 September.
“There’s no doubt this is a very talented and committed team and we are delighted to see them get this far. We are very excited by their potential and by the competition that we can expect to see in Rio. We wish all the athletes the very best with their ongoing training and preparation, but we know they are ready,” said Losch.
Montjane will compete in her third consecutive paralympics, with two-time Grand Slam champion, Lucas Sithole and Evans Maripa, the country’s top men’s aces, both aiming to impress on their second Paralympic Games since the 2012 London event.
Group Executive at Corporate Affairs at Airports Company SA, Refentse Shinners, concluded they are really proud of the four athletes and wished them well as they prepare to compete. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport and a great highlight of our investment in the sport for the past 11 years,” said Shinners.
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