Gift of the Givers sponsored the Adelaide Tambo School Sports Team for the Nedbank National Championship for the Physically Disabled held at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth from April 3-9, 2009.

Here is the daily diary of GOTG’s project coordinator, Joseph Thomas:

Friday: 3 April 2009

We are introduced to the 22 athletes and the seven caretakers that are going to Port Elizabeth. We gave each athlete a gift pack and GOTG T-shirt. We took individual pictures of all the athletes, writing down their names and the events they are going to participate in. Mr PJM Mdletshe laid down the rules and the code of conduct which we all had to adhere to. After the rendition of a special prayer everybody boarded the bus which left for Port Elizabeth at 15h30.

Saturday: 4 April 2009

The GOTG team left for Port Elizabeth. Together with all the athletes, officials, and caretakers we attended the opening ceremony, which was held in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Hall. The flame for the games was lit, and the games were officially opened.

Sunday: 5 April 2009

This was our day off. There was a catering problem but the Principal of Adelaide Tambo School came to the rescue, buying food and drinks for everybody.

Monday: 6 April 2009

Emily Thomas (GOTG Project Coordinator) joined us in Port Elizabeth and made alternative arrangements regarding the catering of food for the whole week. Our soccer team was in action today beating Limpopo Province by 7 goals to 1.

Tuesday: 7 April 2009

Our soccer team was involved in two “must-win” games, in order to proceed to the next round. Unfortunately they lost to Free State 7-0 and also to North West by 7-1. Although they lost both these games, it was inspiring to watch how our boys played these games. Even when the outcome of these games was clear our boys never stopped running, never stopped smiling, and kept on giving it their all until the final whistle. That is true character and our boys showed plenty of it. One player that stood out was Thabiso Khumalo who gave 150%. Playing in defence he was pushing forward to help in front, and when the ball was lost he would rally back making goal saving tackles time after time. In my eyes he was the pinnacle of what a true sportsman and athlete should be like.

This was also the day when the track and field events started. The Central Gauteng team comprising of our team were delivering the goods and really made their presence known. Our athletes alone achieved 10 medals on the day. What made their achievements even more special and spectacular was that the temperature on the day was in the mid-thirties. Overcoming all these obstacles was proof that these children were special, and that giving up, and giving in was not part of their life.

Wednesday: 8 April 2009

Our athletes raked in 15 medals today. But the event that really captured the heart of all present was the 800m for boys. When the leaders started the last round, our athlete was about 110m behind, catching up with them was virtually impossible; winning it - no chance! Then the “never say die” attitude kicked in, digging deep and drawing from all resources he started to make his move. With 200m left he reduced the gap to 50m. With the crowd realizing that this could be the unfolding of something really amazing and unforgettable, they rose to their feet, cheering, shouting and pushing him to greater heights. Coming down the home stretch, with the crowd going wild he took the lead with about 60m left. His legs wanted to give way, but with his eyes fix on the finish line he pushed on.

Falling to the ground as he was crossing the finish line, he laid there, tired and drained, but victorious in more ways then one. Bringing tears to my eyes, as the emotions were running high, for I was really blessed and privileged to have witnessed something so special and heartwarming. Our day ended at 8pm after the relays, and once again our athletes gave a good account of themselves.

Thursday: 9 April 2009