Toti effort to adapt the world of disabled people

Disabled and visually impaired Toti residents will now have the chance to participate in watersports and be empowered in their work places.

In December Wesley Smith introduced adaptive surfing at Toti main beach. He and his helpers transported disabled beachgoers to the waterline and into the waves on a 4×4 wheelchair that beach manager, Jayce Govender organised.

“It was such a success, I have joined forces with Sobantu Ngidi and Sandile Sikhakhane to start Adaptive Unlimited,” said Wesley. “We plan to empower the disabled community through initiatives, events and programmes, whereby we discover a disabled youngster’s passion in order to assist them to become independent within their chosen career.

We will adapt work places for them to enable them to become independently efficient within that profession.

We will also host exciting events to involve them in a variety of previously unattainable activities for them to discover their hidden skills and positive attributes, while focused on having fun.

We have been given 100% support, motivation and self-less assistance from Toti main beach, especially Jayce, and we want to establish Toti as the tourist hub for the disabled countrywide and internationally.”

Adaptive Unlimited will effectuate the area to become internationally recognised as the leaders in empowering and uplifting the disabled community by adopting the ‘Everything and anything is possible’ spirit that is abundantly overflowing from the disabled community. “We are intrigued by how the disabled are always keen to do what we able-bodied people immediately disregard as impossible,” said Wesley.

“This is where we are going to step in and adapt numerous activities, career opportunities, sports and infrastructure to make the impossible, possible. Our mission statement is ‘Helping someone won’t change the world, but it will change their world’.”

On Sunday, 17 April an adaptive fishing event takes place at Toti main beach from 8am, free of charge. “We call on the Toti community to come and support the children who are mostly from the Open Air School as they try and catch some fish,” said Wesley. “Jayce has organised professional anglers to assist the children on the day.”

Anglers from Reunion Angling Club and Comets Angling Club will provide rods, reels and bait, while the clubs sponsor refreshments and lunch for the budding fishermen.

Anyone disabled or visually impaired who would like to participate can contact Wesley on 082-802-1349.