Bonteheuwel man to represent SA at Paralympics in Tokyo

A man from Bonteheuwel, on the Cape Flats, will represent South Africa in the Table Tennis events at this year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The 34-year-old Theo Cogill will also be the first person from Bonteheuwel to participate in an illustrious event like this. The Paralympics Games is set to start in August.

Despite his disability, Cogill found his love for the sport the Bonteheuwel Community Centre, one of many centres still offering better opportunities for young people in the area.

Dubbed as the table tennis champion Cogill is no stranger to the big stage as he was a semi-finalist at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. He also won the Taiwan Open in 2017 and was a finalist in the African Championships.

Bonetheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie expressed his joy with Cape {town} etc indicating that he is thankful that on a daily basis people from Bonteheuwel are excelling on the highest stages.

“This why Bonteheuwel today is a way better place than it was in the past, a place that young people are realising their gifts and being afforded the opportunities to thrive despite the challenges they face,” McKenzie said.

He added that people should no longer refer to Bonteheuwel as a gang-ridden area as it is becoming a nest of success and opportunities for the youngsters.

Meanwhile, Cogill will not only be wearing a Protea tracksuit representing SA but as well as every single Bonteheuwel resident, every hopeful child.

Picture: Unsplash