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Wentzel Barnard
Sport Manager: Maties ParaSport
Wentzel Barnard, an alumnus who studied at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 from 1987 until 1994, has a long history with Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, Maties Sport and Maties Parasport.
Wentzel’s graduation day was not only a celebration of receiving his degree but a historic moment. For the first time in history, the registrar descended the stairs to hand him his scroll and congratulate him on his achievement. A standing ovation followed, and a new graduation protocol was established that ensured a student with a disability would remember their graduation for the right reasons.
For the past 32 years, Wentzel has served on several committees to develop a range of sporting codes. He competed as an athlete at provincial, national and international levels in sports such as wheelchair rugby and swimming. As a player, he also spearheaded the development of WP wheelchair Rugby.
Wentzel was instrumental in establishing the first of its kind, Maties Parasport Club, in 2006. Through his passionate leadership and struggle for the rights and access to sport for people with disabilities, the Maties Parasport club has the most outstanding achievements at the Paralympic level.
With him as manager, across five Paralympic Games (2008-2024), the club produced 53 athletes participating, bringing 48 medals home for Team SA. In 2012, Maties Parasport athletes contributed 65 percent of the medals for Team South Africa. It is a truly astonishing achievement that would have been impossible without Wentzel’s committed hard work and dedication to this institution.
His work ethic and passion for excellence are etched into the history of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, Maties Sport and Maties Parasport.
We sincerely thank Wentzel and honour him for your excellence, passion, dedication, and inspiration. ?
