The championships, held in White River and Mbombela in Mpumalanga from Monday (23/3) to Friday (27/3), attracted 1,800 participants, including athletes and officials from across the country. 

North West was represented by a strong contingent of 165 athletes and officials under the department of education.

The province’s dominance was largely due to securing three top positions in the championship standings, alongside consistent performances in other sporting categories, said North West education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule.

The team received multiple trophies. Photo supplied

The North West athletes excelled in several disciplines, securing top honours in blackball pool (snooker), claiming first place in both male and female singles and team events. 

The province also dominated indoor rowing. Johanna Dlamini achieved first place in the female 500-metre event, while Ditebogo Tshoma secured top position in the male 500-metre race.

Further victories came from Nonhlanhla Pine, who obtained the best position in the female 1,000-metre event, and Reitumetse Mpudi, who led the male 1,000-metre category. The province also clinched first place in swimming, while finishing fourth in both table tennis and hockey.

The province was represented by 165 athletes. Photo supplied

“The objective of the championship is to make a pathway for athletes with an intellectual disability to become eligible for the national team and thus become eligible for international participation,” said Mantshule.

North West MEC for education Viola Motsumi congratulated the team for their remarkable achievement and praised the collective effort behind their success.

“I congratulate Team North West on behalf of the department for obtaining the overall top position during the tournament. We are extremely proud of our learners who represented our province.

“The participation of learners in sport reflects the power of sport as a unifying force and platform for sport to remain a critical pillar in the holistic development of learners beyond the classroom.

“I wish to thank our teachers who are hard at work training these learners to be the best in extra-curricular activities. That also goes to parents for allowing their children to participate in different sporting codes. Our primary objective is to give learners a platform to shine and express themselves in all the co-curricular programmes,” said Motsumi.

The province is set to host the South African Special Olympics on 26 June. The event will serve as the national team selection platform for the Special Olympics South Africa World Games, scheduled to take place in Chile in 2027.

OFM News cvs

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.