Cindy Engelbrecht has become one of South Africa’s top Down Syndrome field athletes over the past five years.

The 30-year-old has never allowed her diagnosis to stand in the way of her achieving her dreams. This is despite the limitations that were placed on her at birth, when doctors said she would never be able to do anything by herself.

At the Sports Union for Athletes with Down Syndrome (SU-DS) World Championships in Athletics, Cindy represented South Africa in Portugal, making the top 3 for shot put, discus and javelin.

She made her country proud by bringing home two silver and bronze medals.

A woman of many talents, Cindy also holds the Gauteng North Table Tennis Champion title. She has been invited to compete at the South African Down Syndrome Table Tennis Championships in Cape Town from March 23 to 27.

Cindy’s family has created a Backabuddy campaign to raise funds for her to take part.

Cindy has not let her circumstances define her:

“Cindy is fearless and has a can-do attitude,” says her proud brother, Jean Engelbrecht.

“Sport is a big part of her life and every time we think she can’t get any better, she passes our expectations and sets new goals. She keeps striving to be the best she can be and at the same time she motivates fellow contenders to be their best.” 

Cindy’s brother, Jean Engelbrecht

Here is Cindy with her table tennis club in Gauteng:

Keep up to date with Cindy’s sporting efforts on the Gauteng North Table Tennis Facebook Page