South African Leader Transforming Attitudes & Perceptions of People with Disabilities

Qaphela knows the challenges facing South African athletes with disabilities better than most. As a teacher with spina bifida and director of “CREATE,” an NGO that works to empower people with disabilities through wheelchair basketball, Qaphela knows that adaptive equipment is scarce and expensive and that finding a coach willing to train athletes with disabilities is difficult. However, Qaphela uses his unique perspective to advocate for change, provide inclusive experiences, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting a lifelong enjoyment of sport and instilling the core values of discipline, teamwork, and respect.

For GSMP: Sport for Community 2019, Qaphela will be mentored by Doug Garner, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation For Adapted Sports, and his team at the University of Texas-Arlington in Arlington, TX.