Wheelchair tennis champ Lucas Sithole wins South Africa's disabled sportsman of the year award

From The Sowetan in S. Africa:

Wheelchair tennis ace Lucas Sithole (pictured) has described winning the disabled sportsman of the year award as a great inspiration for him to qualify for the 2012 London Paralympics.

Sithole won the event at the inaugural Gauteng Sport Awards in Johannesburg last week.

"It is such an honour for me to receive this award and it feels so good to be recognised alongside such great athletes," Sithole said.

An inspiring quadriplegic, Sithole is Wheelchair Tennis SA's No1-ranked player and is ranked No16 in the world.

Sithole was involved in a tragic train accident that left him a triple amputee at the tender age of 10.

"I'm working hard to move into the top 10 rankings in the world and this will inspire me for the 2012 Paralympics," Sithole said.

"I want to be part of the team that will contribute to the success of South Africa and the future looks bright for me."

Sithole also commended Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Lebogang "Young Lion" Maile for introducing the awards.

"It is good to see Maile introducing the awards to recognise the contribution by athletes and administrators to society," he said.