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24 September 2024 | Story Aimée Barlow | Photo Supplied
Louzanne Coetzee - 2024
Louzanne Coetzee, who made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time, received a warm reception when she recently returned home.

The celebrated Paralympic bronze medallist Louzanne Coetzee returned home to a warm welcome at the Bram Fischer International Airport on 10 September 2024.

Family, friends, colleagues, Arista students, and media gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement and show their support.

Coetzee – KovsieSport Coordinator of Parasport at the University of the Free State (UFS) – made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time. Her dedication and hard work have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired many in her community.

Among those present to welcome her was Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, who expressed his pride in Coetzee’s accomplishments.

"We as KovsieSport are so proud of our colleague Coetzee. It is amazing to see a product of KovsieSport achieving greatness on the world stage. She is truly an inspiration to us all," said Laka.

“I am so glad to be back, and to have Laka and my colleagues here. It means the world to me. Having Laka here shows his commitment to my career and ParaSport and his staff in general,” shared Coetzee, her gratitude evident.

She further expressed her appreciation for the support she received, stating, “I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for the support from the UFS community.”

Coetzee’s return is a proud moment for South Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) community. Welcome home, Louzanne! Your achievements have made us all proud!

News Archive

Shimlas secure 23-21 Varsity Cup win
2015-03-10

It might have been late but it was enough. A penalty before fulltime saw the Shimla secure a 23-21 win over Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth on Monday night.

 

After beating NMMU on 9 March 2015, Shimlas still remain the only unbeaten side in this years Varsity Cup rugby tournament. However, Shimlas were replaced at the top of the log by the University of Pretoria after the latest round of fixtures.

 

Shimlas flank Refuoe Rampeta crossed for the first try shortly after kick-off, and flyhalf Niel Marais conversion put the UFS in an 8-0 lead early on. Soon after, Shimlas lock, Niel Claassen got over for their second try. Scrumhalf Renier Botha ploughed his way over the line to give Shimlas a heavy 21-0 advantage at the first strategy break.

 

Yet NMMU managed to fight back well for the remainder of the match, bringing the scores level at 21-21. Unfortunately, the home team could not keep this going, and a penalty kick sneaked in before the whistle blew secured the win for Shimlas.

 

UFS-Shimlas point scorers:

Tries: 
Rampeta, Claassen, Botha
Conversions: Marais 2
Penalties: Marais

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