Long before gymnastics became a competition, Xavier Snyman was doing handstands and cartwheels wherever he could, even in supermarket aisles.
That energy carried the Table View gymnast to Western Cape titles, a provincial podium and a top-15 national ranking. Then a serious rotator cuff injury stopped his training and made the 13-year-old wonder whether the sport he loved had been taken away.
Recovery asked for a different kind of discipline. Small physiotherapy exercises replaced big skills. Progress was slower and less visible. Xavier learned to trust the work and gradually returned to the floor.
Gymnastics is also a place where Xavier, who lives with ADHD and autism, says he feels that he belongs. His mother, Lana, has seen the sport strengthen confidence, focus and self-regulation. A campaign now helps with coaching, entry fees, travel and accommodation as he works toward provincial competition and, if selected, nationals in Pretoria.
What people made possible
- Xavier returned to training after a serious shoulder injury.
- Gymnastics supports both his sporting goals and sense of belonging.
- Fundraising helps cover the costs between local training and national competition.
View the campaign
If this story stayed with you, you can view the campaign and decide whether you would like to share it or support it. View the campaign
BackaBuddy brings verified community stories to life. iPoint helps those stories reach people in everyday public spaces. Together, we are helping good news travel further while keeping people and communities at the heart of every story.
