Johannesburg - Team South Africa has been named for the 2016 Rio Paralympics and Road to Rio 2016 asked some of the new and older members of the team for their thoughts ahead of the global sporting spectacle.
Ernst van Dyk, the seven-time Paralympian in three codes of swimming, athletics and cycling, is the most experienced in the party. “Off course I'm over the moon, not only to have been included in the team but also for getting in for the marathon. I've worked extremely hard to maintain top world rankings for the past 18 months to make this happen.
“Doing this, and maintaining it across two sports with a young family and working for Ossur has been the most difficult of all challenges. Selection has been very hard and some real deserving athletes will be left behind. What's also truly fantastic is that Sascoc has once again offered equal incentives to Olympians and Paralympians.”
Ilse Hayes, four-time Paralympian in athletics, 100 and 400m) said: “It's honestly a huge privilege for me and I'm eternally grateful. Looking forward to how the Lord is going to use me these last days before Rio. “I realise every day what a great honour it is to do what you love and then to share it with such an amazing training group like we have at Stellenbosch. Can't wait to take on all the challenges. Also want to thank everyone for their continuous support. Appreciate it.'
First-time Paralympian Willie Morgan, who is the rowing cox, is also excited at going to Rio. 'It's truly a great honour to be representing South Africa at the Paralympics. I'm glad that the training and hard work has brought us to this point and I'm excited for racing in Rio.”
Dyan Buis, two-time Paralympian in athletics, long jump and sprints said: “It's a huge honour to be part of the team and humbling to know that you get to represent your country on such a great platform. It's more then just a race.”
Another first-timer is Alani Ferreira, who is swimming in four events. “I can't believe I made it. Definitely the best 18th birthday present I could ever dream of. I cannot wait to go and have the privilege and honour of representing South Africa at the biggest sports event.”
Durban's Tyrone PIllay, who excels in athletics and shot put, is another making his debut at the Games. “There is lots of emotions right now but it's the greatest achievement of my life. I pay tribute to my late dad and my mum who have always given me the support and belief to accomplish anything. “I lost my dad Teddy from cancer 14 years ago and it's never easy when it comes back to your other parent. M mum Suzy has been battling cancer for the past year. I will always wear the green and gold with honour and make every South African proud.”
Shireen Sapiro, a three-time swimming Paralympian, said she was extremely humbled to represent her country. “Most athletes dream of doing it once and now I get to do it for the third time. I'm so excited and so looking forward to sharing this amazing opportunity with my teammates. Considering all the injuries I've had to face over the past four years, making this team is really a dream come true.'
Jonathan Ntutu, a two-time Paralympian in athletics had this to say: “Rio, I'm coming. So happy to finally having that stress off my back. Thank you to Sascoc for trusting me to stand up and fight for South Africa. It's also so humbling to know. Thank you to God for this blessing.”
African News Agency