Toti teen donates beach wheelchair for all to use
With the addition of a new beach wheelchair at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, elderly residents and those with disabilities can now experience the waves of the ocean.
REECE Smith, an 18-year-old quadriplegic, donated his gifted beach wheelchair to ensure differently abled individuals have access to the beach and ocean.
Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said the floatable beach wheelchair, valued at R54 000, was generously gifted to Reece by members of the Friends of Toti group.
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“He didn’t feel it was right being the only beneficiary, so he gave it to the municipality so that the lifeguards at Amanzimtoti Main Beach can help others with disabilities enjoy the surf. He is an amazing young man for his actions,” he said.
Wesley Smith, Reece’s father, an adaptive surfing coach and the co-founder of Wheels on Waves, said the donors bought the Sandcruiser after seeing how he always carried his son down into the ocean.
“The two previous wheelchairs at the beach broke beyond repair, making this durable Sandcruiser a significant upgrade. The wheelchair will allow disabled or elderly residents and visitors to get onto the beach or into the ocean. There will also be stricter safety protocols in place, such as having two lifeguards and one assistant,” he said.
Reece, who loves the ocean, expressed his excitement after going for the first ride on July 26. “It was so fun going for a ride and having the waves splashing onto me. I can’t wait to see other disabled people have the same amount of joy,” he said.
Sapphire Coast Tourism (SCT) chairperson Romy Wenzel praised the initiative and said it adds value to the area by enabling more individuals to explore the coastline. “Reece is a role model and a SCT ambassador for generously making his wheelchair available to those with disabilities. He’s a young gentleman with a great heart,” she said.
Wheels on Waves will continue its mission to raise funds and awareness for beach accessibility, aiming to provide more floatable wheelchairs in Amanzimtoti and surrounds.
Wesley will be available at Amanzimtoti Main Beach daily between 08:00 and 16:00 to assist anyone with a disability who wants to enjoy the beach. To arrange a visit, free of charge, call him on 066 439 8287.
With a passion for all things sport, Reece also dreams of one day becoming a commentator. He shares content, reviews and more on his Facebook page, Rolling with Reece.
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