The South African Open Summer Games for the Intellectually-impaired sportspersons got off to a flying start on Monday in Rustenburg, with athletes competing in various sporting codes.

The contestants hope to qualify for international competitions, including the Paralympics in 2016.

Organised under the auspices of the South African Sport Association for the Intellectually-impaired (SASA –II), the games are supported by the North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.  All nine Provinces are represented in Rustenburg, although they do not all participate in all codes.

The five codes are Cricket, Athletics, Indoor Rowing, Swimming and Table Tennis.

SASA – II President Lizzie Vogel said her organisation was disappointed that red tape had deprived their athletes from competing in London last year.

“Our immediate Olympic goal now is to clear every hurdle and make sure that our athletes make it to the next Paralympic Games,” said Vogel. 

“As we select our international athletes, we will test them properly to make sure that they meet Paralympic requirements.” Vogel adds.

After the week-long event, the organisers will select players for international participation in the following World Championships events: Athletics in the Czech Republic (June), Swimming in France ( August), Table Tennis in China (November) , Cricket in England (2014).

The venue for the international Indoor Rowing event next year is yet to be confirmed.

On the international front, South Africa are a keen player, scheduled to be hosting the next World Athletics Championships for People With Down Syndrome in 2015.

The SA Open Summer Games are an annual event that has been taking place since the formation of SASA – II in 1992. Provinces bid for the right to host, with the support of the Provincial Government and the relevant national structures.   

(Edited by Obakeng Maje –Twitter@IceT_)

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