In photos: Sports day for learners with disabilities in Cape Town

Learners from special need schools participated in a day of sports and fun in the sun on Wednesday in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Photos: Sandiso Phaliso

Over a hundred learners with disabilities from schools in and around Gugulethu, Cape Town, participated in a day of sports and fun in the sun on Wednesday. The event, hosted by the Gugulethu Sports Council, also marked the start of Disability Rights Awareness Month which runs until 3 December.

Learners participated in a range of activities and sports including table tennis, soccer, netball, chess, and indigenous games. Organisers also used the day to raise awareness and break the stigma often placed on learners with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Khaya Plaatjie, right, and Likuwe Mqum, showcased their skills during a chess tournament at the event.

Thamsanqa Vukanye from Nompumelelo Special School in NY5 said he enjoyed playing with some able-bodied learners who had an opportunity to “see things from our perspective”.

“The games are fun but competitive. When I was playing, I was on a mission to score as many goals as possible,” he said.

Gugulethu Sports Council chairperson Nceba Tshandana told GroundUp the plan is to extend the event to other township schools across the city and to include adults with disabilities.

“Nothing must be done for people living with disabilities without them. This is a platform for them to show their skills and to know that they are as important as everyone else,” said Tshandana. He said it was critical that the government highlights disability rights.

The netball match between girls from Tembaletu LSEN school and Nompumelelo special school was very competitive.

Learners from several special needs schools having fun at the sports day organised by the Gugulethu Sports Council.

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