Down Syndrome swimming team represents SA in Canada
A young man from Pretoria joined the Down Syndrome Swimming South Africa team to represent his country.
A group of talented swimmers are representing SA in the 8th Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Canada from this week.
The event – running from 20 to 28 July – is hosted every two years and gives Down Syndrome athletes an opportunity to compete at a international level.
Jan-Herman Els (18) of Zwalvelpoort, east of Pretoria is in the team.
“Swimming is Jan-Heman’s life, his absolute passion. He has so many friends, who he made over the years, they feel like a family,” said his mother Izelle.
“Jan-Herman’s favourite style of swimming is backstroke, but he enjoys all forms of swimming regardless.”
René Oosthuizen, a parent and organiser of Down Syndrome Swimming SA, said the team was a source of pride.
ALSO READ: Down syndrome athletes excel in Pretoria
“Thus far they have achieved one gold medal, five silver medals, and one bronze medal. One junior world record has been broken, one master’s world record has been broken and we have also achieved five Africa records,” she said.
LFP Training, a skills development training institution that trains disabled and abled people, and offers courses to educate these individuals by preparing them for employment and equipping them with tools to contribute to society, has been a key sponsor in getting these talented swimmers on their journey to the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships.
“We as a company are completely devoted to upskilling disabled and unemployed individuals in South Africa. To help the Down Syndrome swimming team with their journey to Canada, has been an absolute pleasure. They are performing so well, achieving so much. These people live for their swimming, they are part of a family in this team, and it’s amazing to be part of something so inspiring,” said Francois Pulzone of LFP Training.
“Disabled individuals in the country should not be underestimated. Driven and dynamic individuals at all ability levels are hungry for success. This team is making us all so proud and we are so pleased to play our part in making a difference.”
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