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17 September 2008

Mr Gert Oosthuizen, Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation is in Beijing where he's attending the Paralympic Games. At their farewell function he congratulated them on their excellent performance.

The team has become the most successful South African Paralympic team ever, surpassing the 15 gold medals the South Africans won in Athens in 2004.

"You, as a very successful team and all members of our team will find this to be the case during the next weeks and months. In the true spirit of being part of a team, some have won medals and some have not but you are all South Africans and we are extremely proud of you – all of you," the Minister said during his speech.

He also thanked the sponsors of the team for their unwavering support. He also announced that the sponsors had agreed earlier to increase the amount they'd put up for medal winners to R1 million.

Minister Oosthuizen is accompanied by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) Chief Director Alison Burchell who before joining SRSA was closely involved with Disability Sport South Africa (DISSA), the body looking after sport for the disabled in South Africa.

The forthcoming issue of Your Sport will contain an analysis of the South Africa achievements at both the Olympics and Paralympics.

For a free copy contact:
Tersia Grobler
Tel: 012 304 5016
E-mail: tersia@srsa.gov.za

To follow the Paralympic team and background on the South African Olympic movement visit http://www.sascoc.co.za.

Issued by: Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa
17 September 2008
Source: Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)