Wheelchair races
Disabled patients celebrate Casual Day the fun way
DISABILITY was the last thing on anyone's mind as wheelchairs raced pell-mell around the netball courts at the Titi Jonas multipurpose centre on Casual Day last Friday.
A total of 15 patients came from Alexandria, Marselle and Kenton-on-Sea and seven patients from Bathurst. Friends and family were also there to support them.
“Four wheelchair races and no accidents ... except for one plaster,” said ambulance driver Karin Romans who was on standby.
The rain did not impede the speed, and TotT watched Mongezi Shweleni winning the third heat with Thembalethu Malethu pushing his wheelchair.
In contrast to the wheelchairs whizzing around the makeshift track, spectators drifted slowly but surely onto the indoor basketball court to watch the prize-giving.
Student volunteers from Stenden South Africa handed out soft drinks and iced cupcakes as people watched a film on autism.
Then, occupational therapist Amy Diedericks gave a demonstration of a patient with Parkinson’s who filled in a form with a trembling hand.
Audiologist Jodie Africa also gave a demonstration on hearing disabilities while Mzukisi Phahlwa translated.
The event was sponsored by Pick n Pay and Twizza who sent representative Liesl Hulett to attend the event. New Ndlambe mayor Phindile Faxi was a guest of honour.
Organiser and occupational therapist Teri-Lee Baartman sent out a big thank-you to her team, including Diedericks and audiologist Africa, for helping her organise the event.
Aside from promoting the event with posters and a radio announcement, they contacted patients directly who came from the Port Alfred Hospital's outpatient department and seven mobile clinics.
Baartman also thanked the municipality for preparing the grounds for the influx of people and transporting the 22 patients to the event in Nemato.
“Also thank you to the hospital for providing the wheelchairs,” she said.