adminBukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the ninth edition of the National Paralympics Games has postponed the official launch and fundraising event for the games after Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane excused himself due to other commitments.
Hlongwane was meant to be guest of honour at the event that had been set for February 5, but has now been moved to February 12. The Paralympics Games will be held in Gwanda from April 5-9.
LOC chairman Abiniel Museva said all logistical preparations were on course despite the setback caused by the postponement.
“We have postponed our fundraising and launch ceremony after being informed that the minister could not be with us on the 5th. However, everything is on track and what is left is for us to vigorously market the games,” said Museva.
He said the LOC would now hold a meeting with participating provinces to map the way forward concerning their expectations from February 3-6.
Renovations are underway at facilities that will host the games such as the main venue Pelandaba Stadium to suit the physical challenges of participating athletes.
The games will have six disciplines in total if all sporting codes attract at least four provinces.
The disciplines include netball (deaf), 5-aside football (intellectually challenged), football (deaf), athletics (visually impaired), basketball (wheelchair) and tennis (wheelchair).
The games will also serve as preparations for the Rio Paralympics in Brazil in August as well as the AUSC Under-20 Youth Games to be held in Luanda, Angola, in December.
Sprinters Laina Sithole and Shepherd Gumede have already qualified for the 100M and 200M Rio Paralympics after posting impressive times in the African Games held in Congo Brazzaville in September 2015.
Online Reporter