ANC CONGRATULATES SA PARALYMPICS TEAM

11 September 2008

The African National Congress (ANC) congratulates the South African paralympics team for the outstanding performance of its athletes at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.

The team's impressive medal haul has lifted the national mood, which has recently suffered a number of sporting setbacks.

Team South Africa has risen to the occasion and represented South Africa with diligence and uncompromising commitment. The ANC firmly believes that sport goes a long way in uniting South Africa and reinforces nationhood and patriotism.

The achievements of the paralympic team, and the determined efforts of all our national sports men and women, highlight the importance of further developing and promoting sports in this country.

In this regard, the ANC will work to implement the decisions taken at its Polokwane Conference last December. These include that:

• there should be one emblem for all national sport teams in South Africa;
• all schools must offer a minimum bouquet of extra mural, mass participation in sport activities;
• physical education must be offered as a compulsory subject for learners in grades 0-12;
• mass participation, physical activity and sport programmes must prioritise the involvement of girls, women and people with disability with a view to promoting equity;
• funding currently under Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) aimed at sports facilities should be diverted to the departments of Sport and Recreation and Education;
• the country's investments in the 2010 FIFA World Cup should result in a lasting legacy for our communities and our people.

We believe that the implementation of these resolutions will go a long way in the transformation of sport and will improve South Africa's standing in the international sporting arena.

Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
ANC Spokesperson
African National Congress