Alex girl nominated for South Korean Presidential Awards
ALEXANDRA - Age and physical adversity are no impedinements to those destined for success.
Age and physical adversity are no impediments to those destined for success.
This is true for Emily Mabasa (23), a physically challenged young woman whose determination can also motivate others. The youngest in a family of four which include sisters Bridget, Sibongile and brother Oupa, she will be one of two South Africans among 44 nominees from other countries at this year’s Presidential Awards Ceremony in South Korea.
The awards, an international programme for outstanding 14 – 24 year old youth achievers, are issued by leaders of participating countries. The achievers go through rigorous phases, first is a six months programme where winners receive bronze and silver medals. Secondly a year’s programme which tests for endurance, creativity and contribution to society and a gold medal is awarded. Emily did both programmes and she is looking forward to the last part which the big event in October.
She received her gold award from the Deputy Minister for Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration in the Presidency Obed Bapela in September 2012 with 60 other recipients and was the only one with disability. “Unaided, I walked sixty kilometre in the hills of Magalliesberg with able bodied contestants adjusting crutches and changing the rubbers toppers several times on the way to aid my grip and to maintain balance,” Emily recounted her challenging courageous journey. In some instances I crawled to avoid tumbling down steep descents. With the power of mind, I made it in the end,” she explained. Born with cerebral pasly, she attended school with “normal”, physical and mentally challenged children at Forest Towns Primary and Secondary Schools from 1997 – 2008. “I can’t stand being pitied and used my intelligence to excel in Maths, English, sports in which I received 43 certificates and 11 trophies and I dance to keep my spine healthy ,” she added. Emily wants to be a business woman in future and is selling beautiful beads and art work to raise money for her costs while in South Korea.
Details: Emily Mabasa 084 445 3677.
