Olympic Glory, heroes' welcome for Team SA Paralympians
Welcomed at the OR Tambo International Airport - Team SA's Paralympians arrived with a total of 17 medals earned at the Rio Paralympics.
Fans, family and former classmates gathered at the airport to warmly welcome the champions home.
"As much as we love Usain Bolt‚ we have many of our own Bolts in South Africa," Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said during a media briefing this morning.
Predominantly competing in Athletics, of the 17 medals earned - seven were gold, while six were silver and four - bronze.
Recipients include 14-year-old silver medallist Ntando Mahlangu , 23-year-old Carl du Toit scooped gold in the 400m and 100m men's track race.
South Africa ended up 22nd on the overall medal standings with Kevin Paul, Hilton Langenhoven, Ernst van Dyk, Reinhart Hamman and Dylan Buis the other gold medal winners.
As was the case with the Olympic athletes – Mbalula handed out cheques to various athletes for their medal-winning efforts.
Thank you South Africa - you supported our athletes from Olympics to the Paralympics-
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) September 20, 2016
We are indeed a winning nation. #teamSA pic.twitter.com/HxrCPa4roe
Recognizing and rewarding excellence #TeamSAWelcome pic.twitter.com/XVfxATPDcZ
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) September 20, 2016
Basically, it's LIT here - warmest welcome for our athletes #teamSAwelcome pic.twitter.com/gyZ3Qv8Sn6
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) September 20, 2016
Congratulations to @teamsa16 for their success at the #Paralympics. Inspiring South Africa to #reachforward pic.twitter.com/kOFb6dTeq6
— ReachSports (@Reach_Sports) September 20, 2016
Welcome back @TeamSA16! You've made us all proud!🏅🎖🏅 #TeamSARise pic.twitter.com/82cqQRrvfq
— Proudly SA (@ProudlySA) September 20, 2016
They are here !! #teamSA
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) September 20, 2016
We're proud pic.twitter.com/TpxgVZpd9K