MOSSEL BAY NEWS - From Mossel Bay to the national stage, umpire Nadia Jacobus-Julies, who is a firefighter at Mossel Bay's Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, was the first umpire from this town, and the Western Cape, to officiate at the Deaf National Netball finals in the Spar National Netball Championships 2025.
The championships were held in Boksburg from 30 November to 6 December.
Jacobus-Julies said she was honoured by this, and that she loves netball and to be an ambassador for many with no voice.
She also received her Netball SA B grade for umpiring while at the championships.
"To umpire an all-deaf side of netball is a different skill set than a normal netball game," she said.
"No whistle, just a flag and hand signals, compassion and a lot of patience were the characteristics of these games. It's a story of overcoming disadvantages through determination, resilience, hard work, empowerment and education. It speaks of a lot of effort and sacrifices.
"During a week honouring persons with disabilities, these athletes lit up the court and inspired the entire championships."
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