BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
20 September 2008
Kempton Park — The OR Tambo International Airport came to a standstill on Saturday morning when South Africans came in numbers to welcome the country's Paralympic stars from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
A crowd of around 200 supporters screamed and chanted as Oscar Pistorius made his entrance.
Following closely behind was swimming sensation Natalie Du Toit who patiently spoke with her fans and signed autographs.
Welcoming the visibly exhausted team at the airport just after their arrival, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Moss Mashishi said the team had made South Africa "extremely" proud.
"You have made us extremely proud. You have shown us that we have a team that has risen beyond our expectations," said Mr Mashishi, while addressing the media at the airport.
He said South Africa should be proud that: "We have the two biggest icons of the Paralympics in the world, Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorius."
Speaking exclusively to BuaNews, Du Toit said she was "extremely" overwhelmed by her own and the team's victory.
"I feel that I did my best as the results speak for themselves. The incredible team spirit that we had has put us where we are today," Du Toit said.
She said the warm reception they received by their fans at the airport made them feel very special.
Pistorius, on the other hand said although it was tough for the past few days, he was happy that the Paralympic Games ended with a "bang."
"Getting three gold medals was a great turn-around in my sports career, let alone the overall 30 medals that we came back home with. We have certainly kept the South African flag flying high," Pistorius told BuaNews.
On Thursday, Cabinet congratulated Team South Africa for their sterling performance at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
"The athletes demonstrated character, hard work, commitment and pride as they represented South Africa," said Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko.
"Their 'gold run' became a daily occurrence which made many South Africans look forward to each and every day of the Paralympics.
"Millions of youngsters in South Africa and all over the world will forever be inspired by these magnificent athletes."
South Africa's gold rush at the Paralympic Games had brought Team SA to sixth position on the medal tally with a total of 30 medals - 21 gold, three silver and six bronze.
"These stars have eclipsed the 15 medals they won in Athens. All South Africans should be proud of this achievement," Mr Maseko said.
China bid farewell on Wednesday to the 12-day Beijing 2008 Paralympics, when its 40-day mission to host the world, which began in August with the Beijing Olympics opening.
China finished in first position with 89 gold medals, 70 silver and 52 bronze medals.
Second on the ladder was Great Britain with 42 gold, 29 silver and 31 bronze.
Following Britain was the United States with 36 gold, 35 silver and 28 bronze medals.
With their unyielding spirit and unstoppable momentum, South Africa's Pistorius and Du Toit shone on the track and in the pool.
"It is all about spirit," said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven at the closing ceremony on Wednesday.
"The Paralympic spirit that is ever bright in our movement, found here in China, a kindred spirit."
Minutes after the closing ceremony began with a fireworks display at 8pm, South African amputee swimmer Natalie du Toit and visually-impaired Panamanian runner Said Gomez received the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award, which was initiated at the 1988 Seoul Games to honour athletes who best represent the Paralympic spirit at each Games.
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