11/09/2025
Hi Frends and Supporters
I’d like to share the story of my son, Ricardi Matthee – a 19-year-old from Mossel Bay, South Africa, who is visually impaired but refuses to let that hold him back.
From a young age, Ricardi learned that life wasn’t going to be easy. He lost most of his vision to optic atrophy, but instead of giving up, he worked harder. He fought his way through multiple sports – becoming a national judo champion, a junior powerlifting medalist, and a 5-time school sportsman of the year.
Then he found athletics – and that’s where his dream took off. Ricardi is now the South African national champion in 100m, 200m and long jump (T13 category) and proudly won gold for South Africa in the 100m at the African Region 5 Games. This year, at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunis, he achieved a silver medal in the 200m T13 and set a new African record in long jump. 🇿🇦
But his journey is only just beginning. His dream? To represent South Africa at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
As a family, we’ve been doing everything we can – from selling cakes, doughnuts, and koeksisters to raising funds through family and friends – just to keep Ricardi’s dream alive. We got him to Tunis this year through sheer determination, but now we face the next challenge: fundraising for 2026 and beyond, without any sponsors to back him.
We’re raising funds to cover his travel, accommodation, and training expenses. Every bit of support – whether it’s sharing his story, an encouraging comment, or a donation – brings him one step closer to the Paralympic stage.
👉 Here’s his BackaBuddy page if you’d like to support or share:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/ricardis-road-to-the-paralympics
Thank you for reading. Sometimes the biggest victories start with the smallest acts of kindness. 💙
