Sports & Extramural Activities
Hope School offers a wide variety of sports and extracurricular activities tailored to the talents and interests of our learners, providing opportunities for physical development, teamwork, and personal growth.
Para Athletics
Learners participate in both track and field events, including:
Discus
Javelin
Shot put
Long jump
Running
Athletes have the opportunity to practice twice a week to prepare for trials and National Games, which rotate among the provinces annually. Learners are classified by Ms Pretty Mathebula, a trained and qualified classifier, according to their disability and functional level, following Paralympic standards. Competitions occur three times a year at provincial trials, and selected learners may represent the province and ultimately compete at the Paralympics.
Boccia
Boccia is a precision ball sport developed for learners with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions. It requires accuracy, muscle control, focus, and concentration. Hope School has been competing socially and competitively since 2010, achieving numerous national successes. Boccia is coordinated by Kathija Khan.
Notable Achievement:
Liakath Aziz, an ex-matriculant, captained the South African team at the Boccia African Regional Championships in May 2022, winning a Gold medal and qualifying to represent Africa at the Rio Championships.
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is offered to qualifying learners with two teams:
Junior team: Ages 12–15
Senior team: Ages 15–21
Practice takes place twice a week, fostering teamwork, discipline, and competitive skills. Learners have competed at provincial, national, and international levels, with the programme affiliated to Wheelchair Basketball South Africa. The management team includes Louise Tervit, Katlego Mogapi, Craig Greybe, and Nico Mmitlwe. Wheelchair basketball is considered a gateway sport within the disability community, helping learners progress in all areas of life.
Swimming
Learners start with the Learn to Swim programme, focusing on water safety and confidence, particularly for foundation and intermediate phase learners. Promising swimmers join the Elite Swimming Squad, coached by Tadgh Slattery, a physically disabled ex-Paralympic champion. Elite swimmers participate in local, national, and international competitions, including the Midmar Mile. Swimming activities are coordinated by Kerri Ann Ramessar and Salmah Kola.
Wheelchair Tennis
Learners can participate in wheelchair tennis, with standard court dimensions and equipment but adapted for wheelchair users (allowing up to two bounces). Training occurs twice weekly, coordinated by Marilette Jansen Van Vuuren, with guidance from trained coaches via Wheelchair Tennis programs.
Wheelchair Dancing
Dancing is a favourite extracurricular activity at Hope School, including Zumba, Cha-cha, and Tango. Under the instruction of Mr Kallie Adams and coordinated by Nika Du Toit, learners develop rhythm, coordination, and confidence. Dancing encourages fun, social engagement, and skill development in a supportive environment.
