Miggels represents SASAPD on International panel

The SASAPD president, Jean Miggels, attended the 13th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference on the 22nd and 23rd of September at the Nedbank Building in the Waterfront. Miggels represented SASAPD on a panel to discuss the themes of sport, inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing.

She engaged in deep discussion with her fellow panel members, who represented Amandla Edu Football, Lovelife, ChangeAbility, TAFISA, and the Somali Association of South Africa.

Miggels began by introducing herself, and what she believes to be of utmost importance in disability sports. "I have worked in disability sports for 13 years and I have a bachelor's degree in counselling. I wanted this qualification because I have realised that the behind the physical talent of an athlete, there is something further that needs to be developed. Who they are as a person is just as important and we need to look after the well-being of our athletes. In disability sport, we need equal opportunities and we need to be treated fairly because we too deserve to enjoy our game."

Miggels went on to discuss what inclusion means to SASAPD.

"For us, inclusion means equal opportunities. We want to be treated as equals to ensure that our amazing athletes have the support they need to develop. We need to remove whatever barriers hold us back from fulfilling our potential and help us grow our sense of belonging in sport. Inclusion starts at home, if you can accept yourself, then you can begin to accept others for who they are."

The next topic Miggels discussed was the well-being of athletes.

"Well-being is extremely important in disability sport and we need to make sure that an athlete has access to whatever professional help they may need. Making this support available to our athletes boosts their well-being and allows them the best chance to achieve their dreams."

Miggels went on to share the importance of giving the youth a platform to use their voice.

"Sometimes we decide for our youth before asking them what they want. In terms of programmes, I believe that mentorship and leadership is vital to train the youth. So many of our young athletes do not have mentors. To all the potential mentors here today, coaches, teachers, officials, sometimes all a child needs is someone to believe in them and someone who can see their potential. It can take only one person to change a child's life."

Miggels represented the SASAPD family with passion, respect, and deep insight. The hardworking president continues to apply herself tirelessly to develop and change the lives of young athletes in disability sports, with this conference proving to be an exposing platform to share her beliefs, goals, and missions.