Francois Hartzenberg: Breaking barriers on ice. The Gauteng North Figure Skating Association and Evolution on Ice are proud to celebrate the inspiring journey of Francois Hartzenberg, an 18-year-old skater with Down Syndrome who has become a true ambassador for special needs athletes in South African figure skating. Francois, a member of Club 21, has been skating once a week at The Grove Mall for the past three years. From the very beginning, he stood out with his enthusiasm and deep love for the sport. Under the guidance of Konrad Giering, head coach at Evolution on Ice, Francois has grown into a passionate and determined skater who thrives on the ice.

“Francois has taken skating to heart,” says Giering. “He started with Club 21 sessions but soon took extra classes, eager to improve. He has already competed in three programmes at the provincial level and hopes to progress to interprovincial and national competitions. If he qualifies, he will be the first South African skater in his category to compete at nationals. His determination is truly remarkable.” What makes Francois’s journey even more special is the sheer joy he finds in skating. “He loves the feeling of being free on the ice,” says Giering. “And when he performs his routines during competitions, he lights up. He absolutely loves skating with me during these moments. That’s when he truly feels free.”

Francois’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whether it’s waving to the crowd or throwing fist bumps while gliding across the rink, he embodies the purest love for the sport. The roar of the audience fuels his excitement, and he revels in the applause. “He gets so excited when people cheer for him,” Giering adds. “You can see the joy radiate from him.” Outside of skating, Francois is a fan of superhero movies—Spider-Man, Hulk, and Thor rank among his favourites. But perhaps the most fitting of all is his love for Cool Runnings, a movie about resilience and breaking barriers. Much like the characters in the film, Francois is carving out a new path, proving that passion and dedication can overcome any obstacle. His dream goes beyond personal achievements. He hopes to help establish a dedicated disabled skating division at SAFSA Nationals, paving the way for future skaters with special needs to compete and shine on a national stage. Through his love for figure skating, Francois Hartzenberg is not only chasing his dreams but also inspiring a movement. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering support of those who believe in him.