Two pupils at Beacon School for Learners With Special Education Needs (LSEN) will be representing their province in the cross country championships and another in soccer.
It was the Westridge school’s first attempt at cross country, with Jamey Hofmeyer, 12, from Portland, and Ashley Hyde, 18, from Tafelsig, making their mark at the Western Cape Sports Association in Somerset West on Saturday August 31.
Teacher and coach Deon Solomon said the pupils were committed and driven to excel.
Pupils at LSEN schools require additional help and support in their learning as laid out by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
He said their inaugural run showed a lot of potential and that more pupils should get involved in the sport.
Last year Julio Schuller, 17, from Westridge, brought home a bronze medal for his achievement in the South African Futsal Federation for pupils with special needs.
This year he is the federation’s best player.
He plays in the federation’s intellectually impaired league.
Coach and co-ordinator of sports at the school Gasant Galant said it took a lot of patience to train a pupil with a disability but that it was equally rewarding.
Mr Galant has gone to great lengths to secure funding and ensure the possibility of having the pupils compete in the national competitions.
The school offers cricket, soccer, netball and table tennis, which pupils enjoyed.
