After years of dreaming to participate at the Paralympics as a cyclist, Simon Makgobela from Munsieville has now decided to take up tennis to reach his dream.

After reading about Simon in the News in 2019, Greg de Freitas, the director of Ecomed Medical decided he wanted to help.

Simon told him about the train accident in which he lost his legs at the age of 16 and how important cycling was to him. He was struggling to provide for his wife and four kids, and make enough money to compete in cycling races. He had to depend on donations which he mostly received by standing on street corners.

Greg said he was amazed by Simon’s courage and attitude, and he wanted to help Simon to have the same opportunities as any able-bodied person. He did not want Simon to worry about providing for his family – he wanted him to focus only on his dream, so he has been helping the family out with R10 000 per month to survive.

Simon also mentioned to Greg that he would like to start playing tennis, and with the help of a few well-placed connections Simon started taking tennis lessons.

They were astonished by his handling of the chair the first time he played,” Greg said, referring to Simon’s tennis coaches.

Simon explained he tried to be the best in cycling as he wanted to have a way to support his family, but getting sponsorship was difficult. He now only cycles for fun and exercise.

“Maybe tennis can take me far and one day I will be able to afford a nice home for my children to stay in,” Simon said.

He added that he would like to thank Greg who helped him a lot. He wants to make Greg happy and proud. His dream is still to go to the Paralympics but this time it won’t be in a cycling chair, but in a specialised tennis chair.