Cape Town - A Bonteheuwel man who has once again been selected for the National Deaf Sevens Rugby squad, promises to make his community proud.
Tashriq Parker, 24, who has been deaf since he was a child, said he was excited to wear the green and gold jersey.
He is one of two players handpicked from the Western Cape, after undergoing gruelling trials in May. Also joining the team is Enrico Abrahams from Worcester.
“It’s an honour to represent my country once again. Knowing all the effort I put into the trials with so many great players who pitched. So it was kind of a battle, but I’m forever grateful,” he said.
From August 3 to 8 at St Stithians College in Johannesburg, the South African Deaf Rugby Association will host an international series, the World Deaf Rugby Tournament, for the first time on South African soil.
Top teams from all around the world, including hosts South Africa, England, Australia, and Japan, will compete in the series.
The game of deaf rugby works by players reading each other’s body language, relying on eye co-ordination.
Referees make use of hand signs, which form part of the rules of the game.
Parker, who also played in the tournament in 2023, said this time around, the opportunity is much bigger.
“My community is 100% behind me, now it’s time to make my country more proud than before. Hoping to get sponsors, hoping to get scouts. So ideally to impress and make my country proud,” Parker said.
The speedy outside centre began playing rugby at the tender age of 4 and continued throughout his time at school, where he excelled in sprinting as well.
A professional Decathlon SA athlete as well, Parker has undergone 16 operations to try to fix his hearing, which has been partially restored.
He said: “Disability shouldn’t even be a factor if you want to achieve your goals. Think of disability as a gift from God to do greater things. Disabled means to be more enabled.”
Parker will not only represent SA in the Sevens team but in the Tens International as well.
Bontheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, described Parker as a fine example despite his disability.
“Our community is stronger today because Tashriq has not taken his success away from Bonteheuwel, he has chosen to flourish and share it here at home in Bontheuwel,” he said.
The South African Deaf Rugby Association has announced a partnership with SuperSport Schools, ensuring that all the games will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools app.
Pearl Mashego of SuperSport Schools said the event is a significant step towards providing equal opportunities for all athletes to showcase their talents.
“It embodies our commitment to inclusivity and highlights the remarkable abilities of our deaf rugby players,” Mashego said.
Cape Argus