11 Dec 2022

Special athlete, Gorata Malefaneng has been applauded for representing Botswana well at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Moshupa Sub-council chairperson, Peter Sethibe made the commendation during Malefaneng’s house hand-over ceremony in Moshupa on Thursday.

Sethibe said the special athlete raised the country’s flag high at the Special Olympics World spectacle, held at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from March 14-21, 2019.

He said Malefaneng, who won a gold medal in 800 metres, was a national asset, whose efforts deserved to be celebrated.

The chairperson said the athlete should also be applauded for investing her P100 000 winnings to build a house, with the help of Bakgatla Primary School community, where she was schooling, who coordinated and monitored the project to ensure it was a success.

He said it was common for athletes to spend their winnings on luxuries instead of investing it wisely.

Mr Sethibe encouraged parents of children living with disabilities to bring them forth to ensure they participate in national competitions to showcase their talents.

For his part, director of Special Olympics Botswana, Ross Tebele said Malefaneng was an extraordinary athlete.

He said his organisation’s aim was to provide professional advice to special athletes, create an inclusive environment and community, where every single person was accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.

“We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place,” he added.

Father of the athlete, Moemedi Mpebe thanked trainers for unearthing raw talent and nurturing it to optimum levels and encouraged them to continue with the good work of producing national assets in the name of sport.

Recipient, Malefaneng expressed gratitude and said she remained optimistic that the house would add value to her life. ENDs