Sports bring hope to Eersterust’s disabled community
Disabled people have found that sports bridge the gap between them and able-bodied people
A collaboration between Eersterust Community Health Centre (ECHC) and Poort Royals Wheelchair Rugby Club has brought smiles and enthusiasm to people with disabilities in Eersterust.
The two organisations recently hosted a development day for persons with disabilities, to introduce them to wheelchair-adapted sports.
Karen Millar, chief occupational therapist at Eersterust Clinic, led the teams in the different sporting codes, highlighting that it’s all about setting one’s mind to a sport and just doing it.
“Today is filled with excitement coupled with nervous jitters as to who would win but at the end of the day, all participants are winners,” she said.
The show was attended by organisations dealing with people with disabilities including Lodewyk Spies Old Age Home and Eersterust Clinic, as well as many private individuals.
MMC for Community and Social Development Service, Councillor Peggy De Bruin and PR Councillor Novina Pillay were there as well.
Pillay encouraged participants to never give up and always strive for the best.
“I want to express my pride in what I have witnessed and that will keep you strong for as long as you are committed to the course,” said the councillor.
Poort Wheelchair Rugby Club Chairman Neil Hoffmeester said the participants showed incredible strength as a team.
“These teams here also took part in a tournament at the University of Pretoria against a few other wheelchair rugby clubs and invited persons with disabilities to get involved in adapted sports,” said Hoffmeester.
He continued to say they were very proud of where they were coming from and where they were as a team, adding that they were also determined to succeed.
The day ended with the attendees showing great enthusiasm and commitment to breaking the barriers through which society has confined persons with disabilities.
Poort Wheelchair Rugby Club is forging ahead to make an impact and represent Eersterust’s disabled community.
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