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Karen Losch | Photos: Reg Caldecott
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Lucas Sithole SA's no.1 quads wheelchair tennis player ranked 7th internationally
Wheelchair Tennis SA Celebrates
International Disability Day Disability has nothing to do with ability
– anonymous
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International Disability Day is an observance day that aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity and well-being of the physically disabled. This year it takes place on 3 December 2012 and the theme is: Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all.
On Monday 3 December 2012 Wheelchair Tennis SA's (WTSA) paralympic stars will be playing in a tennis event like no other! This tennis event forms part of the Disability Day Celebration, to be hosted by the Gauteng Premiers Office, where more than 2,000 persons with a disability will gather to celebrate their Ability. This tennis spectacle will certainly be a fitting end to a year of triumph and celebration for WTSA. Last year, Wheelchair Tennis SA (WTSA) and 5FM radio station teamed up to celebrate International Disability Day at St. Stithians College, in Johannesburg, and well known DJ's such as DJ Fresh, Gareth Cliff, Poppy Ntshongwana, and their colleagues tried out the sport of wheelchair tennis. They were allotted a practice time to get familiar with the wheelchairs, moving the chairs and timing their shots whilst moving. It was good fun and they now have an understanding of the skill and 'multitasking' involved in the art of wheelchair tennis. Top wheelchair tennis players made it all look so easy, but don’t be fooled, it's most definitely not! A natural flair for the game, countless hours of practising, and a healthy body and mind is what is required to be a top performer in this sport. This year we want to involve more celebrities, more spectators, and more athletes. Our aim is not only to honour and showcase the skill and ability of our local champions, many of whom have done South Africa proud this year, but to demonstrate that tennis gives physically disabled individuals the opportunity of integrating into society, and participating in a sport that can be played regardless of age, gender, or level of ability. Wheelchair tennis is one of the few sports where an able bodied and disabled individual can compete against each other or together. The event will see four teams competing in a short format match for the title and trophy. Each team will comprise of a wheelchair tennis player, and an able-bodied player from the Fed Cup and Davis Cup squads. Teams will also be headed by a celebrity - DJ Fresh, DJ Euphonic, DJ Mo Flava and Jack Parrow, who are responsible for motivating the team and supporters club to bring the best out of the players on court.
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Gareth Cliff and Poppy Ntshongwana playing wheelchair tennis at International Disability Day 2011
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These celebrities will be joined by paralympic stars Lucas Sithole - SA’s top quad and No. 6 in the world. Lucas was also a finalist in the recent SA Sports Awards category - ‘Sportsman of the Year with a Disability’; Kgothatso Montjane - SA’s top woman and No. 10 in the world. She was also a finalist in the 2012 SA Sports Awards category - ‘Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability'; Evans Maripa SA's No. 1 ranked Men's player, who climbed an impressive 50 plus spots on the international ranking in six months, to his current ranking of 31 in the world, and qualified for the Paralympics; and Leon Els, who is currently ranked No. 3 in SA and tipped to be one of the top players in the world in time to come.
Tennis Event Date: 3 December 2012 Venue: Nazrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg Time: 09h30 – 11h30
If you would like to show your support and attend this event, please contact Karen Losch on karen@tennis.co.za for ticket availability and costs.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and sponsors: Airports Company South Africa, the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, and Sports and Recreation South Africa, for their support, dedication, and commitment. èRelated articles: • Williams Sisters to visit South Africa (Digital article, October '12) • London Calls Wheeling Tennis Stars (Digital article, September '12)
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For more information regarding Wheelchair Tennis or the Disability Day festivities, contact Karen Losch on karen@tennis.co.za. Twitter: @WCTennis, Facebook Group: Wheelchair Tennis SA.
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FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: 1. In front Evans Maripa and Poppy Ntshongwana at International Disability Day 3. Kgothatso Montjane SA's No.1 women in wheelchair tennis, ranked 10th inte
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y 2. Kg Montjane with DJ Fresh and 5FM staff at International Disability Day ernationally 4. Leon Els 3. HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent with Kg Montjane, Lucas Sithole and Evans Maripa at a training Clinic in Jhb, Oct 2012
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