In a display of wellness, community engagement and support for inclusion, Zonderwater Correctional Service officials from Cullinan participated in the National Disabled Fishing Tournament.
The event was from September 23 to 26 at the Bloemhof Dam in North West. This four-day annual event has been around for four years, thriving to foster camaraderie among individuals with disabilities through recreational activities.
The event attracted national teams such as the South Africa Freshwater Bank Angling Federation (SAFBAF), SAFBAF A-team, SAFBAF B-team and the Barbarian team, which competed amongst each other.
Angling involves various categories of anglers who can utilise helpers on tasks such as baiting hooks, netting fish and, in some instances casting on their behalf.
Willem Barnard, a Zonderwater correctional official and an angler for the past four years, took part as a helper for the SAFBAF B-team during the national tournament.
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“It gives me great pleasure to help physically disabled persons so they can also enjoy the pleasures of the sport,” said Barnard. I have been helping someone for over two years and am proud of it.”
Jacobus Kemp’s excitement as a first-time captain reflected a sense of pride in representing correctional services, while the team’s support for individuals with disabilities emphasises the broader role correctional services play beyond public safety.
“I recognise the importance of promoting cooperation, not only within the organisation but also in the community”, said Kemp.
Kemp stressed such events strengthen connections and social responsibility. According to Kemp, he is looking forward to participating in the coming tournaments after his Barbarian team secured a win.
“Initiatives like the National Disabled Fishing Tournament demonstrate the growing recognition of adaptive sports within the department,” Kemp concluded.
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