Issued by: Office of the Presidency
30 October 2000
South Africa salutes and congratulates you for your achievements on our behalf, in bringing home a total of 38 medals.
In 1997, I said, "We must stop seeing, disabled people as objects of pity but as capable individuals who are contributing immensely to the development of society. " I said so hoping that the new democratic South Africa would become a kind of place where everybody had an equal chance of making his or her dreams come true; where all previously marginalised groups would help build the new society removed from prejudice and exploitation.
We hoped for many achievements for people with disabilities. You have definitely exceeded them on the international sporting front.
The 38 medals and the historical world records you bring home are an inspiration to the nation to overcome any obstacles we may face.
Tasneem Carrim
Communications
The Presidency
Private Bag X1000
Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 12 319 1500
Fax: +27 12 323 6080
Cell: +27 (0) 83 650 7119
e-mail: tasneem@po.gov.za