23-06-2025
Ithembelihle LSEN School gears up for International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
Ithembelihle LSEN School is set to host the AMEX International Tennis Federation (ITF) International Wheelchair Series from June 27 to July 4, riding high on the back of recent accolades.
The school was recently recognised at the Ekurhuleni North District Awards. In the 2024 Schools Sports Awards, Lerato Sarelwa took second place in the LSEN Schools' male athlete of the year category, while Khopolo Motebang secured third place in the LSEN Schools' female athlete of the year category.
The school also placed second in the LSEN Schools' cultural school of the year category. Additionally, Ufumanekile Shumane was crowned male cultural administrator of the year.
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School principal Leanor Ngozi said it was an honour to be recognised by the district.
'Our learners have experienced a significant boost in confidence since we introduced various extracurricular activities.
'Khanya Xundu is an excellent ambassador for our school, proudly representing us in wheelchair basketball.
'We're also hosting the wheelchair tennis series, which encourages our former learners to stay active and involved even after leaving school.
'We're excited to welcome international participants, including players from Morocco, and to promote a lifelong love of sport among our students.'
Ngozi highlighted the school's vibrant extracurricular programme, which includes mass participation in athletics, boccia, and table tennis.
'Our learners have excelled, even competing against able-bodied players. Recently, they won a major trophy in table tennis,' she said.
'Beyond sports, we offer a range of activities including food gardening, an arts studio, music, and more. Our food gardening project has attracted significant attention, and the Department of Education has indicated that President Cyril Ramaphosa may visit to see our agricultural achievements.
'Our campus farm features poultry, herb gardens, and strawberry cultivation. We are now selling live chickens and plan to introduce egg production.
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'This initiative not only provides protein-rich food for our students but also equips them with valuable skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship. All proceeds are reinvested into the school, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.'
Ngozi added that the school is seeking a sponsor to help expand the farming and agriculture project, specifically to extend the greenhouses.
'We're building on the momentum gained from a previous sponsorship that provided a reliable borehole system,' she said.
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