Inspirational win for Ramsgate para surfer
Sheer determination has allowed him to flourish.
Para surfer Sean Thompson has done it again, winning his division at the recent KZN Para Surfing Championships.
Made for More presented the prestigious chamaps on Addington Beach in Durban on April 2.
It’s a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation which aims to include, empower and equip people with disabilities through sport and mental health programmes.
It gives hope to the disabled using sport as a vehicle to prosper.
A total of 40 surfers competed in the various divisions. The day brought great conditions for KZN’S best para surfers to display their skills.
Sean’s division was the all-inclusive standing which includes intellectually challenged.
He placed first. following up his victory in the same event last year, as well as at last year’s SA Para Surf champs.
Sean was born with Downs Syndrome and serious birth complications.
Doctors told his mother, Zonika that her son would never be able to walk or talk.
Years of physical, speech and occupational therapy plus sheer determination has allowed Sean to flourish, not only as a human being, but as a surfer as well.
The story of this young man (22) is truly inspirational.
Sean’s passion for the sport started when he used to sit on the beach watching his sister surf the waves.
He was a good swimmer growing up but that unfortunately had to come to end due to recurring pneumonia.
He learned to surf astonishingly fast and quickly became a passion of his.
Top surfers Heather Clark, Royden Bryson and Kyle Meyer are among his close friends and have all been mentors to him, helping him with coaching. In his spare time he enjoys CrossFit and music.
Sean’s parents could never have dreamed their son could achieve such feats, but with his enthusiasm and perseverance, he has shows that anything is possible.
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