Johannesburg - The South African Paralympic athletes did a lot to inspire the next generation while they were in London for the Games, the African National Congress Youth League said on Sunday.
Spokesperson Khusela Sangoni-Khawe said the ANCYL applauded the men and women of Team SA for their determination, courage and bravery against all odds.
“We acknowledge that the team in its entirety would have been young people - who all their lives have had to swim against the tide, fight against odds and disappoint those who said they never could, today they can proudly say - they did and they were able.”
The ANCYL said that it was everyday heroes like Team SA who embodied the youth of the country.
As the Paralympic Games closed on Sunday, the South African team ended them with a total of 29 medals - eight gold, 12 silver and nine bronze.
Finishing in the top 20 of the over 70 countries that participated our pride in the team knows no bounds and we are confident of even greater success in Brazil, Sangoni-Khawe added.
“We trust that government will continue to nurture our national talent and support sports as a critical component of social cohesion and building a winning nation,” she said.
“To this end, we would expect the urgent implementation of resolutions particularly on the revival of school sports and expanding access to sporting facilities.”
The ANCYL added that the private sector should also be inspired by Team SA to pledge sponsorships across all sporting codes. - Sapa