Alumni spotlight: Ricardi Matthee honoured at local and national level

25 September 2025

 

Ricardi Matthee, a visually impaired alumnus of Curro Mossel Bay, has received recognition both for his sporting achievements and his resilience. He earned the Chairperson’s Award at the annual Mossel Bay Sport Awards, marking a significant moment in his athletic journey.

 

From local podiums to continental records

Ricardi excels in both judo and track and field, especially in T12/T13 categories for visually impaired athletes. At the African Games for Athletes with Disabilities in Malawi, he won gold in the 100 m and silver in the 200 m. At the South African Championships for People with Disabilities, he took gold in the 100 m – setting a new national record – and long jump, and earned silver in the 200 m.

In June 2025, Ricardi set a new African record in the Men’s F13 long jump with a leap of 5.03 m at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunis.

 

 

Champion both inside and outside the arena

The school praised Ricardi for his sporting and academic achievements. Despite 95% visual impairment due to optical atrophy, he achieved a 64% average in 2023 and earned a 61% aggregate in his final IEB exams. He also received an Excellence Award at the Curro Matric Gala Awards 2024 for his combined achievements.

Ricardi pursued international exposure when he represented South Africa in the African Union Region Youth Games, underlining his emerging role as a national-level athlete.

 

Ahead of the horizon

Ricardi continues to impress, both through new records and national recognition. His path reflects the power of sport to open doors for learners with disabilities. Curro Mossel Bay community celebrates Ricardi’s achievements and looks forward to supporting his ongoing journey toward further athletic excellence.