Three pupils from Kuyasa Special Needs School in Grahamstown have made their school and community proud by making it on to South Africa's national cricket team for people with intellectual disabilities.
Three pupils from Kuyasa Special Needs School in Grahamstown have made their school and community proud by making it on to South Africa's national cricket team for people with intellectual disabilities.
Eldrich George (batsman), Shawn April (bowler and fielder) and Winston Johnson(bowler and fielder) took part in the national trials in Kimberley last week, and all three were selected.
While the cricketing talent of these young men is undeniable, it is their ability to overcome both their disability and economic difficulties that make their achievements remarkable.
Reflecting on his success, George said that he felt “great about making the team”.
Past success
The players, who were already representing the Eastern Province (EP) before the trials, under the South-African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired, were judged on their fitness, batting ability, bowling ability and teamwork.
Principal of Kuyasa, Gill Rothman said, “This is quite unique to get three from one school. It’s an exceptional achievement.”
Rothman said she had noticed that since the three were selected for the national team, they seemed to have a higher sense of self worth.
“They are not boastful; they are quite humble, but you can see they are very proud of what they have achieved.”
George, April and Johnson were already in the provincial side last year, and they were selected for the national team trials after participating in the interprovincial competition in Polokwane in April 2011.
In Polokwane, Johnson was chosen as Man of the Match, and April was Best Bowler. They said they had been playing cricket since they were six or seven years old.
Hard work
Before making it onto the EP team, the boys had no formal coaching and began playing cricket in their school playground.
Their school coach and chaperone, Khutala George, is impressed by their commitment, and dedication in going to the gym every afternoon.
She also believes their good behaviour and willingness to follow direction have made them better cricket players.
“I’m very happy. It was always my dream because people assume special needs children have no value,” says George.
She hopes that their achievement will make the community rethink these stereotypes and realise that talent is not limited to academic ability.
The next big event for these players is a tri-nations tournament where England and Australia will be playing on South African ground. The tournament will be held in Kimberley from 14–27 November 2011.
