Africa-Press – Eswatini. Two School girls from Eswatini, once overlooked and hidden at home, stepped onto a foreign track and walked away with gold and bronze medals.
Tebenguni Simelane and Sekuhle Dlamini are not professional athletes. They are pupils from St Joseph’s High School, and in Stellenbosch, South Africa, they did not just participate they conquered.
In an interview, Paralympics President Mcebo Dludlu described the outing as a significant milestone for the country’s para sports development.
The team, comprising pupils Tebenguni Simelane and Sekuhle Dlamini, travelled alongside their coach and the committee president to compete in track events.
Simelane, a visually impaired athlete, delivered an outstanding performance by clinching a gold medal in the 100 metres. Meanwhile, Dlamini competed in the 200 metres, finishing sixth out of 12 competitors and earning a bronze medal. As an athlete with a physical disability affecting her ability to sit properly, her achievement reflects determination and resilience.
“This was our first international competition, made possible through the support of the Sports Council of Eswatini and partners supporting athletes with physical disabilities,” said Dludlu.
He emphasized that the long-term goal is to nurture and develop athletes capable of qualifying for global competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
The president expressed gratitude to the Sports Council for its support, while also appealing for increased backing from government and stakeholders. He encouraged more people living with disabilities to participate in para sports, stressing inclusivity and equal opportunity.
The athletes who represented the country are both pupils from St Joseph
Dludlu further called on parents to support children with disabilities by allowing them to take part in sporting activities. “They should not be hidden. They are part of society,” he said.
He added that sports go beyond competition, highlighting their role in promoting health, strength and resilience. For athletes with disabilities, para sports help build physical fitness, support mental wellbeing, and foster a sense of community.
The Stellenbosch competition was just the beginning, but what a beginning it was. Eswatini para athletes have arrived and they are just getting started.
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