Wimbledon star’s brand new set of wheels
NORTHGATE – Wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso “KG” Montjane was presented with a brand new state-of-the-art wheelchair on 22 February.
Wheelchair tennis star and Westdene resident Kgothatso ‘KG’ Montjane was honoured to be presented with a brand new state-of-the-art wheelchair at an event hosted by Macsteel, Ticketpro and Optimise at the Blue Wing of the Ticketpro Dome on 22 February.
Montjane is the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon and recently returned from competing in the Australian Open in Melbourne. The equipment is not like any normal wheelchair and is specifically designed for the sport of wheelchair tennis. The GrandSlam X wheelchair is the perfect combination of new technology and materials. At its core, this transcendent chair has a unique, pioneering carbon fibre axle, making it significantly stiffer and lighter.
“I am so thankful for this donation, it is a ‘game-changer’ for me. To me, it has the feeling of getting a brand new car. It is what most professional tennis wheelchair users are using right now, and it is a whole lot lighter and agile. Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation Nocawe Noncedo Mafu was also proud to attend the handover event, praising Montjane for her confidence in remaining physically fit for competition despite the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. “As a country, we are incredibly proud of your performance, and you are an inspiration to all,” said Mafu.
The donation was generously orchestrated by the manufacturer, merchandiser and distributor of steel Macsteel in the hopes that it would create upliftment and encouragement of the sport in communities that need it. CEO of Macsteel Mike Benfield said, “As Macsteel, we strongly believe in corporate responsibility. In our history, we have many times focused on supporting the needs of our up-and-coming South African sports stars, especially in the communities that we draw the majority of our stuff from.
“The request to support KG in her sporting development and provide her with a wheelchair worthy of her sporting prowess is an opportunity that we grabbed with open arms. Hopefully, this high-tech piece of equipment will elevate her to a level well above her competitors, at a world-class level.” The wheelchair donation aims to go a long way in helping Montjane enjoy the exhilaration of movement, the thrill of competition and see her win numerous wheelchair tennis competitions. Related Article: https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/415078/tennis-protocols-are-clarified-by-tsa/
