Students from special needs schools took part in a day of sport and fun in the sun in Gugulethu, Cape Town on Wednesday. Photos: Sandiso Phaliso

Over a hundred students with disabilities from schools in Gugulethu and around Cape Town took part in a day of sports and fun in the sun on Wednesday. The event, hosted by the Gugulethu Sports Council, also marked the start of Disability Rights Awareness Month, which runs until December 3.

Learners took part in a range of activities and sports including table tennis, football, netball, chess and indigenous games. Organizers also used the day to raise awareness and remove the stigma often placed on students with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Khaya Plaatjie, right, and Likuwe Mqum, show off their skills during a chess tournament at the event.

Thamsanqa Vukanye from Nompumelelo Special School in NY5 said she enjoyed playing with able-bodied students who had the opportunity to “see things from our perspective”.

“The games are fun but competitive. When I was playing, I was on a mission to score as many goals as possible,” he said.

Gugulethu Sports Council chairman Nceba Tshandana told GroundUp that the plan is to expand the event to other schools in the city and also include adults with disabilities.

“Nothing should be done for people living with disabilities without them. This is a platform for them to demonstrate their skills and know that they are just as important as everyone else,” said Tshandana. He said it was essential for the government to highlight the rights of people with disabilities.

The netball match between the girls from LSEN Tembaletu School and Nompumelelo Special School was very competitive.

Learners from several special needs schools enjoy themselves at the sports day organized by the Gugulethu Sports Council.

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