New specialised wheelchair for basketball star
A Site B basketball player’s dreams of owning a specialised wheelchair came true when Sub-council 9 bought her some brand new wheels.
Nolitha Kibido, 23, started playing basketball at a young age and has featured in games for the Western Province under-19, under-25 and senior women’s teams.
In 2019, she made the national under-25 team which took part in the women's world championships in Thailand. Since then she has travelled the world with both the under-25 and senior women’s team.
However, Ms Kibido has not had her own specialised basketball wheelchair until now.
“In most games I was using wheelchairs belonging to other players. I was thankful for that but I longed to have my own.”
Sub-council manager Jongihlanga France and ward councillor Kayalethu Gxasheka delivered her new wheelchair on Tuesday.
“I am so excited to finally have my own wheels and I am looking forward to using it in training later this week,” said Ms Kibido.
Mr Gxasheka said when they learnt of Ms Kibido’s situation they had to help.
“She is a determined athlete and we felt helping would encourage other differently-abled people to dream big,” said Mr Gxasheka.
Ms Kibido has also played in the Ghana Para Games in 2023.
The wheelchair is custom-build for basketball and to accommodate the player’s disability.
“Nolitha’s name resonates with resilience and triumph,” said Mr France.
Ms Kibido is a third-year social work student at Stellenbosch University and is hopeful that her new wheels will steer her into greater heights.
Looking forward, her dream is to lead the South African wheelchair basketball team to the Paralympics.
