FOR some, fishing is a source of income, to others it is a leisurely weekend activity.
However, for a group of retired military veterans, known as Ramcat Fishing, it is a way to provide members of the disabled community with an opportunity to network and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.
Once a year the group of passionate volunteers organise an outing at the Salisbury Island naval base at the Durban Harbour for people living with various disabilities.
The initiative, according to one of the organisers, Gerhard Smal, began as a means of helping injured veterans.
“We were all called to serve back in the day, and some of my military friends were injured during the war, so we started the Ramcats with the hope of helping them. We quickly began receiving calls from physically-challenged civilians who were interested in participating and so the even has grown every year,” he said.
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Smal said the event was important as there were very few facilities near the beach that cater for and are safe for people with special needs.
“For many, this is the only opportunity to get out and experience some fishing,” he explained.
“It is such an awesome feeling. Their lives are a daily challenge, and to talk to them and hear that this project has made such a huge impact on their lives is humbling,” added Smal.
Currently there are between 35 and 40 people who have shown interest in the event; however there is limited space for 70 people said fellow organiser, Dean Shand. Entries close on 29 June.
Shand said they were appealing to any companies or individuals that would be willing to sponsor ‘goodie bags’ for the participants.
This year’s event will be hosted on Saturday, 14 July from 7am until 2pm.
Contact Dean Shand on 082 688 8211 or Kenny Louw on 084 241 7124.
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