Honeydew Police Station’s Magdeline Letshwiti has been named their sportsperson of the year and she has hopes to represent her country and the police in a darts competition in Belgium next year.
The avid sportswoman has amassed a multitude of trophies, medals and accolades in various sports since she started playing sport as a member of the police in 2012.
Even though she is classified as disabled, she will not let any stereotypes bring her down.
Letshwiti said, “Some people say disabled people aren’t capable of doing anything amazing in sports and fitness, but it is my mission to prove those people differently. I try to play as many different sports as I can, except for anything aerobic or running sports.
“I love sports as it makes me active. When I sit the whole day at my desk, it sometimes adds stress to my injury. Sport is truly my passion.”
When she started playing sport as a police member, she participated in shot-put, discus and javelin.
“I was a successful sportsperson in netball and athletics before I got injured. After my car accident, I applied for a job working with the police on disability grounds. I cannot move my leg properly and I limp.”
She entered her first police sports championship in 2012 in Oudtshoorn and Cape Town, winning four medals in walking, javelin, shot-put and discus.
In 2016, she started to play darts for the South African Disabled Darts Association.
“We played in a darts championship where I won the cup and a gold medal. Whenever I go to a championship, I make sure that I come out with something.”
On February 29 next year, Letshwiti will be aiming to travel to Belgium to compete in the Inaugural World Darts Championships.
“It has truly been my dream to travel overseas to represent my country and the police in sport. What I need is a sponsor to help me to get there, so I appeal to any generous community member or local business to help me to achieve this.
“The South African Disabled Darts Association is a non-profit organisation, so [to get] funds to help me travel overseas is almost impossible.”
According to Letshwiti, the total funds needed to travel and compete in the event is R28 500.
Details: Magdeline Letshwiti 081 318 4157 or letshwitimaggy@gmail.com
