Gateway swimmers take one for the province

Three swimmers from Ruimsig’s Gateway School were among the top winners during the National Summer Games for Special Olympics South Africa, held in Pietermaritzburg from 8 to11 July.

They represented the Gauteng team against other provinces.Winston Kruger received a silver medal for freestyle, Michaela Bell received two bronze medals – one for reestyle and the other one for backstroke – and Gilforce Molepo – known as Tumi – received one silver and one gold for freestyle.

According to their swimming coach Jacques Pretorius, the Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual challenges can – with proper instruction and encouragement – learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.

“The National Summer Games happen every four years and this year they were hosted in Pietermaritzburg. All nine provinces participated in this event and only children and adults with intellectual challenges can participate,” said Pretorius.

He also mentioned that 60 swimmers receive training and with the help of Planet Fitness gym in Ruimsig, they manage to train them, using their facilities.

“We did a long process of training, making time available. Some of them do not have opportunities to train after school, but I am happy to say that the three winners made us proud,” Pretorius added.He also said because of the physical challenge that the children at the school have, they have to expose the pupils to safety skills before they can be actual swimmers.”The achievement is fantastic. I wish I could send them all to the Los Angeles Special Games,” he said. Another coach, Karen Smith, said the swimmers worked very hard and they had shown commitment and dedication to be the best.