SASCOC proud of overall Team SA performance at Paralympics

Team SA wrapped the Para Games with a total of six medals – two golds and four bronze. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Simelane says SASCOC understands the hard work behind the Para Athletes’ preparations and they are pleased with what the team delivered, despite returning one less medal from the previous Games in Tokyo.

"As SASCOC, we are extremely proud of the athletes' performances at the recent Paralympics, and we know how much each and every one of them puts into their performances and preparation to truly represent and make the country proud," said Simelane.

"We did indeed get less medals compared to Tokyo, but also about five of those medallists in Tokyo were not in Paris, and those who we did take were a great mix of experience and youth as look towards 2028."

Team SA flag bearer Mpumelelo Mhlongo opened the medal tally, securing a gold in the T44 Men’s 100m sprint before adding a bronze in the T64 Men’s 200m.

Simelane says they are happy he led from the front.

"With Mpumelelo winning the first medal, it's always so exciting when the flag bearer winning a medal – and he, of course, is a double world champion, so it's phenomenal of him to also add a Paralympic gold to his achievements," she added.

"He's also a Tier-1 athlete on our Bidvest Operations Excellence programme, so it's very fitting for him to have been the first medal winner for the team."

READ: Simone Kruger excited to add second gold medal for Team SA