info@sadga.co.za
Magalies Park, North West | 15 June 2025 – The South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), with the support of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), hosted the 2025 National Deaf Interschools from 9–15 June at Magalies Park. The event brought together learners with hearing disabilities from five schools across South Africa for a week of golf-based learning, development, and inclusive fun.
The top three learners from each school’s SADGA First Swing Program were selected to attend, providing a valuable opportunity for those who had shown commitment and potential to take part in a more advanced, multi-day golf experience. Designed as a development platform rather than a traditional tournament, the event focuses on building foundational skills, introducing competitive structures, and identifying players with potential to progress into SADGA’s structured golf pathway.
Participating Schools:
- Dominican School
- Mary Kihn School
- V.N. Naik School
- Kwavulindlebe School
- St Vincent School
Purpose and Development Impact:
With the continued support of the NLC, learners are given the opportunity to grow through sport. Those who stood out during the week will now:
- Be registered with an official golf club
- Receive a handicap
- Enter SADGA’s Pathways Program, which offers individual coaching and development support
The long-term goal is to help these players become eligible for participation in SADGA’s All Abilities Golf Tour—South Africa’s competitive circuit for golfers with disabilities—and, for those who excel, to eventually represent their country at international events such as the Deaflympics.
Daily Highlights:
Day 1 – Welcome & Orientation
Learners arrived at Magalies Park and settled in for the week ahead with an orientation and team introductions. Coaches briefed learners on expectations, and the atmosphere quickly filled with excitement and anticipation.
Day 2 – Golf Fitness, Skills & First On-Course Session
Day two began with a group golf fitness session to get bodies moving and minds focused. Learners then rotated through putting and chipping stations before heading out for their first 6–9 hole on-course experience. Coaches walked with each group, offering real-time guidance and encouragement.
🏆 Longest Drive Winner – Round 1: Sphiwe (St Vincent)
Day 3 – Golf Fitness & Second On-Course Session
The morning kicked off again with golf fitness, followed by more structured coaching. Learners returned to the course for another 6–9 hole session, applying feedback from the previous day. There was a noticeable boost in player confidence, improved decision-making, and better communication among teammates.
🏆 Longest Drive Winner – Round 2: Katleho (V.N. Naik)
Day 4 – Golf Fitness, Final On-Course Play, Auction & Disco
A final group fitness session started the day, keeping the energy high and reinforcing routine. Learners then completed their last on-course session, showcasing all they’d learned throughout the week. In the afternoon, learners took part in a fun auction. The day ended on a high with music, dancing, and smiles all around at the closing disco.
Day 5 – Prizegiving Ceremony
The event concluded with a joyful prizegiving ceremony to celebrate growth, effort, and individual achievement:
🏆 Most Improved: Kwanele (Kwavulindlebe School)
🏆 Most Valued Player: Kairha Mars (Dominican School)
🏆 Best Male: Sonwabo (Mary Kihn School)
🏆 Best Female: Sithabile Maliwa (Dominican School)
🏆 Leadership Award: Katleho (V.N. Naik School)
🏆 Teacher Award: Desiree Smith (Mary Kihn School)
🥇 1st Place Individual: Sonwabo (Mary Kihn School)
🥈 Tied 2nd Place: Katleho (V.N. Naik) & Muzi (St Vincent School)
A Standout Team: V.N. Naik School
🏆 Overall Winning School: V.N. Naik (KwaZulu-Natal)
V.N. Naik School impressed not only with their skill, but with their attitude, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the week. Their learners consistently supported one another, showed respect to coaches and fellow competitors, and demonstrated a strong willingness to learn. Their team spirit and steady improvement across all sessions earned them the top school honours—and set a great example for all.
A Salute to All Learners
SADGA would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to every learner who took part in the 2025 National Deaf Interschools. From the first warm-up to the final round, the learners embraced new challenges with enthusiasm and showed incredible growth each day. They listened, asked questions, supported one another, and took on every piece of coaching with open minds and positive attitudes.
We are incredibly proud of how far each learner has come in just one week—and we hope they’ll continue working hard on their golf games as they move forward into the SADGA Pathways Program and beyond.
Event Gallery
View the full photo gallery from the week here: SADGA National Deaf Interschools Gallery
Closing Remarks
SADGA extends its sincere thanks to the National Lotteries Commission for making this event possible. A special thank you also goes out to the teachers and coaches, whose guidance and commitment made it a meaningful and impactful experience for every participant.
This event is a celebration of inclusion, development, and future opportunity, and we look forward to seeing many of these young players thrive in the years to come.
For queries:
General and Operational:
Lily Reich | lily@sadga.co.za
Media and Collaborations:
Sarah Warren | hello@aagt.co.za
Business Development:
David Watts | david@sadga.co.za
