Athletes Story

Special Olympics Zimbabwe athlete Joycline (Jesi) Kapurura, 33, is a phenomenal gymnast. Although her first sport was athletics, it wasn’t until coaches spotted her astounding flexibility at age 17 and suggested gymnastics that she really found her calling.

Born in a mission hospital in Mashonaland West, Kapurura’s family moved to the United States when she was 4, so that her father could take advantage of an educational opportunity. Kapurura also benefited; she learned to read and write at a special school in California. The family returned to Zimbabwe when she was 10, and Kapurura enrolled in Saint Catherine’s Special School until she was 17. It was there that her gymnastics career took off. She represented Zimbabwe at the 1991 and 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games, where she earned four gold medals, three silvers and a bronze. Kapurura also participated in Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs).

Since 2002, Kapurura has been an assistant teacher at a crèche for children that need special care. “I love my job. It is the most important thing to me,” she said. “I have lots of close friends at work too.”

Kapurura always wanted to have a job. “I wanted to get away,” she says. This is because in the institutions that she had always been a part of, students were said to be “handicapped.” She is very close to her parents and they constantly support her in all her endeavors. Presently both parents are working as teachers in Zimbabwe.

What has Special Olympics meant to her during her life? “It has been very good to me. I have enjoyed it. It is nice to meet new people.” Pondering the question further, Kapurura’s eyes shine and she smiles. “I’m glad I’m a normal person and Special Olympics helped me realize this,” she concluded.