Junior Mavuso
| Born | 6 February 1995 |
| School | Muriel Brand School in Brakpan, Gauteng |
| Lives in | Vosloorus, South Africa |
Story
Junior Mavuso lost his left leg when he was only three but that has not stopped him. He is an inspiration to many.
After struggling for years , he received his Jumping Kids prosthesis in 2010 .
One of the original Jumping Kids, Mavuso has inspired people across South Africa. He has an interest in studying sport administration.
Since becoming a Jumping Kid Junior has…
- represented Gauteng (and medalled) at every Nedbank National Athletics Championships since 2010
- set a new South African record in the under-20 men’s F44 long jump (4.31m) in 2013
- represented the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund at various events including the Unogwaja Challenge, the StepUp500 Challenge, the Warrior Race Series, as well as the 2013 Avis Madiba Day event
- flown to Cape Town to surprise Unogwaja pioneer, and good friend John McInroy, and attended the TED-X event where John addressed the audience about the ShoOops initiative
- ‘paid it forward’ by writing an inspirational letter to a young amputee
Q&A
Best Jumping Kids moment/s
Getting my blade and running the relay for the first time was a stand-out moment. That, and all the awesome trips we are able to have as Jumping Kids.
Future goal/s
My dream is to compete in the Paralympic Games in my favourite athletic events the T/F44 100m, 200m and long jump. I am training hard and am doing my best to fulfil my dream.
Message to children living with disabilities
Don't ever let what other people say or think about you bring you down. Put yourself out there, show the world what you are capable of, and that you are no different to any other person.
God has a plan for you and you should be willing to fulfil His plan! Let nothing stand in your way. To quote one of my heroes, "you are not disabled by your disability but able by your abilities". So, keep rocking and be who you want to be!