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Banele Makhonco, Special Olympics South Africa athlete

Banele Makhonco

Banele Makhonco, also known as Bolt, was born and raised in Butterworth, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. He joined Special Olympics when he was still in primary school. Banele participated in a wide range of sports, including athletics, basketball, indoor rowing, soccer, cricket, rugby, and swimming. In 2008, he played rugby for a local team in the town called Gceberha. Later that year, he was privileged to represent his country in athletics in England. He won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter races and a silver medal in the team relay.

Banele’s interest in health was sparked when Special Olympics introduced a health program at his school. At this event, he gained valuable insights into healthy living, which he eagerly shared with his peers and the broader community. He is passionate about fitness, and he actively embraces a healthy lifestyle. He runs health and fitness sessions in his community, where he encourages people to maintain regular exercise, proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest for both mind and body.

Beyond physical fitness, Banele advocates for the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He believes that health literacy should extend to everyone, regardless of their abilities, and that health workers should treat individuals with kindness and respect, avoiding any hurtful name-calling.

In 2021, Banele achieved the qualification of a Group Exercise Instructor through Physical IQ. This accomplishment was part of a pilot project by Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) to demonstrate that athletes like him could excel when given opportunities. Leveraging this qualification, Banele occasionally conducts paid boot camps in his community on weekends, contributing to self-support and sustainability. In 2022, through Special Olympics South Africa and Sports for Social Change Network (SSCN) internship project, Banele used SOFit curriculum in his community, encouraging regular fitness activities among community members.

Banele remains actively engaged in Special Olympics as an athlete leader in the Eastern Cape. He aspires to become a personal trainer within a major gym company—a dream fueled by his unwavering dedication to health and fitness.

 

Health Messengers 2024

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