Meet a disabled wheelchair basketball player:
My name is Sandile Mndebele. I am 20 years old, and I play wheelchair basketball for the Wheel’s Life team in Cosmo City.
I was born normal, just like everyone else, but in May 2014, when I was 12 years old, I became paralysed. Transverse myelitis, which I suffer with, forced me to use a wheelchair.
Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition that left me crippled. It is caused by inflammation (swelling) of the spinal cord. The swelling harms the nerves and may leave scars or lesions that are permanent, blocking the nerves’ ability to communicate with the rest of the body through the spinal cord.
However, by joining a wheelchair basketball club, I have demonstrated that my disability has nothing to do with my ability. Because the majority of the individuals I knew played wheelchair basketball, I quickly developed a love for it and chose to start playing with them in 2020.
It’s fun for me to play, and I appreciate that my closest friends are in the same group with me, which makes it an awesome experience.
Patrick Anderson, a Canadian wheelchair basketball player, served as my inspiration because I consider him as the best in the world.
The competitive nature of wheelchair basketball and the opportunity to meet new people in similar situations as me, is what I enjoy most about it.
Despite the challenges of being unable to practise frequently due to a lack of funding, which makes it tough for me to play with more experienced teams, I would like to represent South Africa and compete globally one day.
Besides playing basketball, I like playing table tennis, wheelchair tennis and video games.
I encourage all disabled persons who are currently indoors due to fear of what others will say to try doing something that will make them happy. It can be anything – sports, dancing, singing, and even acting.
Never let disability prevent you from exploring your interests and always believe that anything is possible.
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