Dr Ivan Meyer earlier today, 11 September 20 12, joined fans, supporters, parents and friends who had gathered at Cape Town International Airport to welcome back Western Cape based SA Paralympics athletes.
Bursting with pride Minister Meyer said: I am so proud of all our athletes. They have really done us proud. The Western Cape salutes each and every one, acknowledges their passion, commitment and dedication to the Olympic and Paralympic Spirit." The motto used for the Paralympics was 'Inspire A Generation' and over the past eleven days our athletes produced performances that indeed inspired and that will live in the memory forever", said Meyer.
Western Cape SA Paralympic athletes made a significant contribution to the overall success of Team SA claiming a total of 16 of the 29 medals won by Team South Africa at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Athletes, Dyan Buis won three medals while Arune Liebenberg, Arnu Fourie and Ilse Hayes each won two. Achmat Cassiem won two medals in swimming.
Fanie Van der Merwe, Ilse hayes and Arnu Fourie are the Western gold medallists.
Athletes from the Western Cape performed as follows:
| Name | Code | Medal | Tally |
| Henri Herbst | Swimming | Bronze | 1 |
| Achmat Hassiem | Swimming | Bronze | 1 |
| Achmat Hassiem | Swimming | Silver | 1 |
| Jonathan Ntutu | Athletics | Bronze | 1 |
| Dyan Buis | Athletics | Silver | 1 |
| Dyan Buis | Athletics | Silver | 1 |
| Dyan Buis | Athletics | Bronze | 1 |
| Anrune Liebenberg | Athletics | Silver | 1 |
| Anrune Liebenberg | Athletics | Bronze | 1 |
| Ilse Hayes | Athletics | Gold | 1 |
| Ilse Hayes | Athletics | Silver | 1 |
| Fanie Van Der Merwe | Athletics | Gold | 1 |
| Arnu Fourie | Athletics | Bronze | 1 |
| Arnu Fourie | Athletics (Relay) | Gold | 1 |
| Hilton Langenhoven | Athletics | Silver | 1 |
| Ernst Van Dyk | Cycling | Silver | 1 |
Clearly the Paralympics was not just about the winners. The reaction from the enthusiastic well-wishers in response to the all athletes achievements certainly reflected that the Paralympics have made that old adage that 'it's not the winning, it's the taking part that counts' even more relevant.
"These athletes their took their ability, gave it responsibility and in doing displayed their capability" concluded Minister Meyer.
Enquiries:
Daniel Johnson, Spokesperson and Media Liaison Officer to Minister Meyer
Western Cape Government
Tel: 021 483 3261
Fax: 021 483 9801
Cell: 079 9904 231
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za
