Pretoria - Ernst van Dyk and Lusapho April have been congratulated by government for their “outstanding performance” at the New York City Marathon.
Paralympian Van Dyk won second place in the wheelchair division, April came third in the men’s elite category and two other South Africans finished in the top 60 in the hand cycle division.
Over 50 000 people participated in the event on Sunday.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting CEO Phumla Williams said: “We are proud of our athletes. Their hard work and determination have yielded positive results. This is a demonstration that people with disabilities also have equal opportunities to participate at any sporting level.”
She said the number of people with disabilities involved in sport and physical recreation was steadily increasing in South Africa and sport can reduce stigma, act as an instrument of socialisation, and empower persons with disabilities.”
“Their dedication, bravery and determination to overcome adversity are an inspiration to us all. Their accomplishments have shown us that disability is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams,” said Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
