Steely resolve to take on Amashova
NEW Germany resident Grant Oosthuyzen aims to complete the Amashova Durban Classic Race by cycling using his one big toe.
A quadriplegic, Oosthuyzen, 25, will use a custom-made power wheelchair to accomplish his goal – and all for a good reason: he aims to raise funds for the KZN Boccia team he coaches, which is a sport similar to bowls and can be played by people in a wheelchair.
While the cycling may be new to him, he’s not one to back down from anything.
To create awareness of his cycle race, he’s organised a promotion day next Saturday, July 1, at Knowles Spar in Pinetown, to speak about the challenge and the reason he’s so intent on fundraising.
“I had the privilege of playing boccia for 14 years and was ranked first in South Africa. Due to the lack of funding in 2016, KZN lost their rankings because they were unable to attend the national games. This year I thought the KZN team needed to raise funds for next year and decided that I would do the 35km section of the Amashova race. The money raised will be shared for coaching and for the KZN boccia team to go to Bloemfontein for the 2018 South Africa Sport Association for the Physically Disabled national championships. I have done talks at various venues and received some financial contributions. Others will sponsor me by kilometres that I do in the race,” he said.
So passionate is he about getting his team to the national games, he and the team went on promotional tours to inform the public about boccia, and why they should be supported.
He said the team had worked hard to get back their rankings at the championships held in PE earlier this year.
With the Amashova, Oosthuyzen said: “This race is a real challenge for me because I am using my big toe to drive the wheelchair. I hope this will create lots of interest from other wheelchair users to do this race in the future.”
Mr Wheelchair in Pinetown is building his special set of wheels.
Prizes at next Saturday’s promotion include gift cards for Knowles Spar, meal vouchers, and a camera stand and cleaning kit from Govan Mani. Raffle prizes include a Power Toolkit donated by Build It Pinetown, an A2 photograph on canvas donated by GMO Photography and a food hamper from Knowles Super Spar.
For more information phone 072 117 3716 or visit Oosthuyzen’s Facebook page called “Grant’s Amashova”.