Tottenham Hotspur to spend time with disabled persons in Polokwane during the Vodacom Challenge

As part of the Vodacom Challenge, Tottenham Hotspur, one of the top 5 UK soccer teams, has agreed to spend time with disabled persons from the Association for Persons with Disability (APD) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on July 15. 

Tottenham Hotspur are in South Africa to compete in the Vodacom Challenge, which takes place from 16 to 23 July.  A group of disabled persons from the region will have the opportunity to spend time with the team at their training session on 15 July, a day before the Vodacom Challenge kicks off in the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The team will interact with eight members of the APD, who are enormously excited about the prospect of meeting this world-class team.  .

The Association for Persons with Disability takes care of persons with physical and or mental disabilities for the entire Limpopo Province.  Members of this association work for a fruit and vegetable project where they cut, peel and pack vegetables for a fruit and vegetable chain. They also produce other health products that are sold to ensure some income for the organisation.

"The Association for Persons with Disability plays a very important role for people with disabilities in the Limpopo Province. It is great honour to be able to set up this meeting for them.  We are sure that they are going to have a wonderful time with the visiting team," says Mthobi Tyamzashe, Vodacom's Executive Director for CSI. 

Of the eight members of the association, three are mentally disabled, 5 are quadriplegic and all are between 20 and 40 years old.  Each member will receive an autographed soccer ball from the team and have their pictures taken with them.

In addition, every goal scored by a local team during the tournament will serve an even higher purpose than merely influencing matches. The Vodacom Foundation's ‘Goals for Miracles' initiative will donate R150 000 each time the ball hits the back of the net during regulation time to contribute towards free cataract operations for disadvantaged citizens battling with their sight.

The incentive for all Chiefs and Pirates players to play attacking football could not be greater and appreciation for their goals will be deeply felt far beyond the confines of the stadiums.