Wheelchair basketball coach Trooper Johnson and captain James Mncuzana pleaded with the government and corporations to lend a helping hand in sports with disabilities.
This after the fifth and final day of the “Live the Impossible” tournament at the Mandeville Sports Centre concluded last week Friday with thrilling and memorable performances.
The tournament featured the SA men’s senior team, the SA U23’s, Kuwait, and later in the week, the Mandeville Falcons.
The South African senior men’s team secured their place as tournament champions. They did so with a decisive 63-53 win against Team Kuwait. While the Falcons emerged victorious against the U23s with a 56-53 win.
Sport gives hope to participants
Speaking to Sunday World recently, Johnson explained the sport. He said wheelchair basketball is the kind of sport that gives hope to people living with a disability hope. People who have lost hope that anything is possible.
“The impact that this sport has is a sense of obligation to ensure that you reach out to kids with a disability. Kids throughout the country who have lost hope. Those who don’t think they can do anything with their disability,” Johnson said.
“Wheelchair basketball kind of presents this visual representation of what you can achieve. And the exposure through this sport shows other kids out there that the hope is still there, and it is possible.”
Mncuzana, who leads the SA men’s senior team, emphasised the importance of support. He said it’s vital for government and other corporate companies to come on board. They need to come on board to help athletes living with a disability.
“Starting with Sasol, they have become a family to us. They understand our needs and what it means to be an athlete.”
“So, having more corporate companies getting involved will help us and others. This will show that people living with a disability can also compete and be athletes like abled people.
“So, we really would like for more people to see sports for people with disability as it is with everyone.”
Sponsorship partner
Sasol brand and sponsorships manager Dean Somerset reflected on the tournament’s success. He said: “The partnership between Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) and Sasol has been instrumental. It has been key to promoting wheelchair basketball.
“We are proud of the achievements and the incredible talent showcased at this event. Together, we are committed to supporting and growing this inspiring sport.”
Next up for the Sasol Amawheelies U23 Men’s national side is the exciting trip to Tripoli, Libya. There they will take on Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt U23 sides. This will be a preparation tournament for the next big one. The 2025 IWBF Africa U23 Championship Qualification in Cairo, Egypt.
“We do not doubt that the U23 team will continue to showcase their talent in international platforms. And it will continue to make the rest of South Africa proud,” Somerset concluded.
