Games create awareness about being physically impaired
Wheelchair Spirit Games helps create understanding among people.
Lindokuhle Mtshali (26) was diagnosed with spina bifida as a toddler and as a result had both his legs amputated, confining him to a wheelchair.
After conquering the physiological distress and psychological trauma that came with the physical impairment, Mtshali has gone on to live a fulfilling life which includes participation in sport.
Mtshali recently participated in the Wheelchair Spirit Games hosted by the metro, in partnership with Wheels of Change, at Vosloorus Stadium.
He had words of encouragement for those who are physically impaired and still battling to come to terms with their situation.
“The worst thing one can do to themselves is to live in isolation and hide from the outside world.
“The moment you step out you realise there are other people in wheelchairs just like you.
“So go out there and live, the situation could have been worse,” he said.
The games saw able-bodied participants competing with people living with physical impairments in both a wheelchair marathon and basketball.
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“I am fully able to do anything, except walk.
“This is who I am and able-bodied people need to realise that the only difference between them and us is our inability to walk,” said Mtshali.
One of the able-bodied participants, Mandla Nkosi, stated that people often underestimate those in wheelchairs.
“I take my hat off to people who are wheelchair bound.
“I found the wheelchair marathon and basketball physically taxing,” he said.
“This was a real eye-opener and through our interaction I learnt of the challenges experienced by physically impaired individuals.”
The Wheelchair Spirit Games is just one of the many social development initiatives the Disability Unit within the Health and Social Development Department has hosted in partnership with community-based organisations in Ekurhuleni.
Members of the public who run disability awareness campaigns and wish to partner with the metro can contact the Health and Social Development’s Disability Unit by calling Sello Maleka on 011 999 1399.
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