McKenzie lauds Paralympic team as ‘epitome of what SA should be’
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed confidence in Team South Africa ahead of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
The games are set to take place between 28 August and 8 September.
The team was announced by South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee CEO Nozipho Jafta on Monday morning.
McKenzie handed over the national flag to the team following the announcement.
"I call you inspirational athletes,” the minister said.
“You are totally what we should be as South Africa. You are the epitome of where we should be as South Africans. You have risen above your own circumstances. You are, for all of us, the greatest inspiration, and I have no doubt that you will come back with gold.”
McKenzie also pledged to provide financial support to the team.
"My main priority, in as far as this inspirational team is concerned, is to make sure that they just don't shine on stage, but when they get home, they worry and stress about debts, about what are they going to eat tomorrow or how are they going to survive.
"I promise right here on this stage that I am going to engage sponsors, I am going to engage the people in my department. So, luckily, I am in charge. I do not have to engage a lot.”
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