It is a happy moment in Ikageng township in Potchefstroom on Wednesday as the community celebrates 28-year-old special Olympic Athlete Kamogelo Moncho for winning two medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.
Moncho made South Africa proud by becoming the first special Olympic athlete to win a gold medal at the men’s 5 000 meter finals on Monday. He competed in the 1500-meter final again today and won bronze.
Moncho, who was born deaf said he is extremely proud to represent South Africa and win one of his favourites races, the 5 000 metre run.
“I’m extremely happy and proud. I feel very joyful, and the weather is wonderful. I was able to set up my pace and focus only on myself instead of anyone else, and that is how I was able to win the gold medal. I am so happy, and I know that my family, wherever they may be, are proud of me and are celebrating with me”.
A beaming Mmaserame Moncho, Kamogelo’s mother, said her son has made her proud. “ I do not know what to say, he has made us the happiest family, I am happy but most importantly I thank God,” she said.
In congratulating Moncho, South Africa Special Olympics Athletics Coach Mongkgotsetsi Maleka said. “ I told him, look at the time. I told him there was no difference between the athlete who is 10 seconds ahead of him”.
Moncho is sponsored by Africa Bank. Its CEO Kennedy Bungane was over the moon and reiterated that “the very first Gold obtained by South Africa comes from Kamogelo Moncho who has just won the 5 000 meter Group Level A, gold for the second time for South Africa. He is adopted and sponsored by African Bank, and he represents this idea of an audacity to believe. His story inspires us today”.
The Games began on June 17 and will showcase the talents of 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from over 170 countries till June 25.
Photo: Kamogelo Moncho won two medals at the Olympia Stadium in Berlin, Germany.
