06 Jun 2016

Tshepo Kgatwane firmly believes that it does not matter where one originates from, or the physical condition one happens to be in, as there is always something great that God has planted in all of us. Tshepo is an athlete who is living with disability He* suffers from mental retardation which impacted his speech as he stammers and has difficulties in learning as he cannot read and write and relies on family and coaches for support.

However, his condition never deterred him from reaching for greater heights. Whilst at Legodimo Trust he took part in different sporting codes such as football and athletics. 

He also developed interest in football which led him into coaching. He also hinted that he decided to follow his heart and joined athletics as he was doing well in it and never looked back.

Speaking in an interview recently, Tshepo said he represents Botswana and participates in 200m, 400m, 800m, 4×100m relay, 1500m and marathons such as 21km race locally and internationally. 

Tshepo highlighted that representing Botswana on the international stage is not only a dream come true but a stepping stone to show and inspire people living with disabilities not to despair and know that they are able to achieve their dreams.

In 2007, he represented Botswana in China in The Special Olympics summer games and he won gold and bronze medal, in 2011 he went to Athens, Greece where he walked away with two bronze medals. He also represented Botswana in the Special Olympics World games in Burbank town, United States of America. He won a silver medal in the 4×100m relay and took a bronze medal in the half marathon.

Sports requires discipline and Tshepo is a respectful, humble, caring, focused young man and he said this has helped him a lot as it keeps him away from distractions

He strongly emphasizes that people living with disabilities should be given a chance to prove themselves to the world and support is vital. 

with his coaches at Solomon DiHowever, Tshepo is quick to point that the road to his success is not a smooth sail as he is faced with many challenges. He said a threat to his future career is lack of training attire.

He encourages people living with disabilities not to despair and use their God given talents. He strongly advises parents with children living with disabilities to help them realise their potential and dreams.

 Tshepo also receives immense support from his family and according to his mother, Ms Dinah  Kgatwane raising Tshepo was not easy as he was constantly sick and would often be discriminated against as he was a child living with disabilities.

She said parents should not hide their children and advocates that society should treat people living with disabilities equally and give them support. Tshepo is a firm believer in God and he said God connected him to people who helped him to realise his full potential. ENDS