University of Johannesburg’s student-athlete, Yané van der Merwe, is aiming to represent South Africa at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Photo: Supplied

Talented student-athlete, Yané van der Merwe, aims to encourage South Africans to invest in disability sports in the country.

Van der Merwe is currently on a quest to qualify for the Paralympic Games and like many other local athletes, she is faced with financial constraints should she make the final team to represent the country in Tokyo.

“Currently I have no financial support…,” she revealed to gsport’s Celine Abrahams in a video interview.

“But I have to add that the University of Johannesburg helped in the past with funding my international competitions.

“So, I believe that they will do the same this year, but we will see with my performances.”

“I believe if people invest in disability sports, it would give them the opportunity to see life through a disabled person’s eyes.” – University of Johannesburg’s student-athlete, Yané van der Merwe

The South African junior javelin champion highlights the obstacles para-athletes face and reveals investors’ need to see life through a disabled sports star.

“I believe if people invest in disability sports, it would give them the opportunity to see life through a disabled person’s eyes.

“Like all the obstacles they have to face, and as an athlete, all the equipment that’s extra for them to compete …”

Despite all the obstacles in her way, van der Merwe is planning to continue elevating in her career as she shifts from junior to senior competition.

“When Paralympics are done…My plans will depend on whether I compete there or not. So, from there I will work towards 2022 Senior Championship, I am now too old to go to Juniors, so it’s Seniors for me now.

“So, yeah, I will work towards that but everything is depended on Covid now, so I’m gonna have to wait and see.”

The UJ student continued to chat about her career and admiration for gsport’s coverage of women in sport.

You can watch the full video below!

 

 

Photo 1 Caption: University of Johannesburg’s student-athlete, Yané van der Merwe, is aiming to represent South Africa at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Photo: Supplied

 

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