The tournament includes the top 8 women and men and top 4 Quadriplegics in the world.
Lucas Sithole, nominee in the Sports Star of the Year and Sportsman of the Year is currently ranked number 2 in the world. In September he made history by becoming the first African to win a US Open title in the singles game of any kind after winning the wheelchair quad singles title against America’s David Wagner.
This is all part of his build up to the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Kgothatso Montjane, nominee for the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability award will be participating in the singles and doubles. Ranked no. 6 in the women’s singles world rankings she made history by becoming the first African wheelchair tennis player to ever take part in a Grand Slam event.
She won the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability award in 2010.
Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Sport & Recreation South Africa said:”Sport provides an opportunity for anyone, regardless of background, social standing or physical limitations to rise above their circumstances and triumph. We are extremely proud of our athletes who continue to raise the bar and prove that South Africans have innate spirit of determination and success.”
The overall winner will be chosen by the adjudication panel appointed by SASCOC in consultation with the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa.
In the meantime, the public is encouraged to vote for their favourite sporting heroes in the Sports Star of the Year category. To vote dial *120*8883# “Sports Star” followed by a number 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
1) Itumeleng Khune
2) Chad Le Clos
3) Mapaseka Makhanya
4) Hashim Amla
5) Lucas Sithole
Voting closes on Sunday, November 17 2013 at 9:30pm.
The winners will be announced at Sun City.
