BLOEMFONTEIN – The boccia star Naledi Nhlapo is the sports star of the year for the Free State Sport Association for People with Physically Disabled and the Visually Impaired (FSSAPD).

This was announced at the FSSAPD Awards Function on at the Martie du Plessis School on 1 August.

Naledi, a student at the University of the Free State (UFS), represented South Africa at the World Boccia Cairo African Regional Championships, winning two silver medals before claiming another silver medal at the national championships. She was also the senior female sport star of the year.

The senior male sport star of the year was Lehloane Leshoro, a para-cyclist who won four gold medals and set a South African track record at the national championships.

The junior female sport star of the year is Yolanda Kabinga, who won two medals in athletics at the national championships. Brendan Warden won three gold medals and set two South African records in para-cycling. He was named junior sport star of the year, as well as newcomer of the year. Both made their debut at the championship.

Para-cycling was named sport of the year, with 13 South African track records that were set and a strong focus on coaching and development.