Step into the shoes of the disabled
At Vryheid Junction’s Spring Market Day on September 9, Mr Delport will sensitise able-bodied residents to the challenges faced by the disabled in a fun and interactive way.
HE is unable to brush his own teeth since his neck was broken 6 weeks after his wedding day… Yet this Vryheid quadriplegic runs his own successful gym and has made it his life’s work to reach out to and assist other disabled people.
Vicky Delport was recently named the disabled representative on the Ward 9 committee and has already assisted two people obtain wheelchairs.
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At Vryheid Junction’s Spring Market Day on September 9, Mr Delport will sensitise able-bodied residents to the challenges faced by the disabled in a fun and interactive way. Residents are urged to enter teams of two to participate in a ‘wheelchair challenge’.
“I want able-bodied people to have a feel of what it is like to be in a wheelchair, so we will be asking them to get into teams of two. One member of the team will sit in the wheelchair and manoeuvre it to a stopping point 2km away. The other team member will walk alongside the wheelchair but won’t offer any assistance. At the 2km mark, the team members will swop. The team member who was in the wheelchair will walk back to the starting point alongside his partner who will take a turn in the wheelchair,” explained Mr Delport.
“The wheelchair challenge will cost R50 per person and all the proceeds will be donated to Nicole Fynn to be used toward the purchase of a new wheelchair. Nicole is a recovering quadriplegic whose ability to defy the odds is an inspiration. Other events that will be held to raise funds for Nicole on the day are a 10km (entry fee is R20) and a 26km (entry fee is R50) cycle and a fun walk. The first 25 entrants of each event will receive a complimentary t-shirt.”
Visit www.vryheidherald.co.za/63460/nix-needs-a-new-set-of-wheels/ to read Nicole Fynn’s extraordinary story.
Nicole’s husband, Damien Fynn, said he is humbled by how supportive and generous Vryheid people have been towards his wife.
“The fundraising is going well and Vryheid has been fantastic,” he said.
“Through our efforts at the Spring Market Day, I hope people will have more patience and compassion for the disabled. It is a tough life. When you come across a disabled person, be friendly. A smile costs you nothing… And remember that being physically disabled does not mean that a person is mentally retarded. There is nothing wrong with my brain. My biggest accomplishment is the fact that I am self-employed and able to put food on the table. I want to thank Vryheid’s residents for all their support and for always making me feel at home,” concluded Mr Delport.
