“When a South African community comes together, anything is possible!”
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 February 2023) – There was hardly a dry eye as parents and teachers at St Katharine’s school Johannesburg witnessed the extraordinary grit and determination showcased by Grade 11 Hope school learner Moeketsi Adams. The entire community rallied behind this talented Paralympian in the making!
Moeketsi swam alongside the class of Grade 7s to officially start the school’s annual swimathon, which raises money for children just like Moeketsi.
“He was SO determined,” remarked Reeva, a Grade 7 learner at the school, who, like many others at the event, was in complete awe of Moeketsi’s indomitable spirit.
With the crowd cheering Moeketsi on, the determined young man, born with Phocemelia syndrome, held his own against a team of equally competitive girls. Phocomelia syndrome is a rare congenital disability characterised by severe malformation or the complete absence of limbs. However, this has never hindered Moeketsi, who dreams of attending the prestigious Paralympic Games.
“I was not ashamed of myself. I decided to follow my passion in swimming….Last year, I broke more than 3 South African records,” says Moeketsi.
By the end of the swimathon, with everyone in awe of Moeketsi, over (R250 000) had been donated to Jumping Kids, the incredible non-profit organisation which gives amputee kids the prosthetic tools and support required to lead full, active lives. Jumping Kids allows kids just to be kids!
Like many other children with disabilities, Moeketsi’s life is made all the better and easier with the use of prosthetic limbs. Many South African children do not have access to life-changing prosthetic technology, but through Jumping Kids, founded by passionate South African and prosthetist Johan Snyders, many more children now have access to the latest in advanced prosthetics, getting mobile, active and independent!
Thanks to Moeketsi’s epic swim, and the efforts of all the girls at St Katharine’s, Moeketsi is now one step closer to achieving his dream of attending the Paralympics. More importantly, however, with the generous donations from the school’s parent body, Moeketsi’s prosthetics can be maintained and replaced when necessary, allowing him to be an active and healthy young man!
When a South African community comes together, anything is possible!
Remember this name: Moeketsi Adams.
by 