![]() Kobus Marais (team manager), Charl Bower (swimmer) and the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer. | ![]() Group photo. |
On Tuesday, 11 September 2012, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport gathered with supporters at Cape Town International Airport to welcome home the Western Cape athletes who participated in the London Paralympic Games. It was an emotional moment as many supporters, family members and friends embraced them and hundreds of others showed their excitement by waving flags and posters.
Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said that the event made him a proud South African and that these athletes had done the province proud.
"The motto of the Paralympics was 'Inspire a Generation' and over the past 11 days, our athletes produced performances that indeed inspired and that will live in the memory forever," Minister Meyer said. He expressed his admiration for the way in which these sportsmen and women made the best of their abilities, in so doing, displaying their capabilities.
Paralympic athletes who hail from the Western Cape contributed significantly to the total number of medals won by Team South Africa. A total of 16 of the 29 medals were won by athletes from the province. Dyan Buis won three medals while Arune Liebenberg, Arnu Fourie and Ilse Hayes each won two. Achmat Cassiem won two medals in swimming. Fanie van der Merwe, Ilse Hayes and Arnu Fourie all won gold medals.
The reaction of enthusiastic well-wishers confirmed the old adage "it's not the winning, it's the taking part that counts". The department salutes all athletes and acknowledges their passion, commitment and dedication to the spirit of the Olympic and the Paralympics.
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za