Fun event to raise disability awareness in Eersterust
“During the Disability Awareness fun walk, people with disability withstood the difficulties on the road, looked beyond their limitations and finished the walk with determination and endurance.”
An Eersterust care centre hosted its first fun walk at the weekend to raise awareness for the disabled.
Heidi Steenkamp of the Shalom Community Care centre, said the event, which kicked off at the King Fischer park, was held on Saturday.
“Through this event, we sought to create awareness on disability mainstreaming,” she said.
“It was attended by many non-profit organisations from Tshwane and by some enthusiastic members of the Eersterust community.
“The aim of the event was to expose not only the challenges faced by people with disability but to promote the opportunities presented to them. Not only in their own communities but in society at large,” she said.
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She said the event also sought to empower the broader society.
CEO and founder of Shalom MJ Scharnick said: “During the disability awareness fun walk, people with disability withstood the difficulties on the road, looked beyond their limitations and finished the walk with determination and endurance.
“This, despite the disability in body – the ability in mind leads to a successful finish.”
Steenkamp said Shalom was honoured and privileged to host the disability awareness fun walk in partnership with the community and social development services and the Oppie Bol organisation.
She said Oppie Bol organisation CEO Cazle Hendricks played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the event.
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“Bikers’ Club Sapa Yopa were the highlight of the day by leading the walk and creating a positive hype among the community of Eersterust,” she said.
She said some community members joined the walk and gave positive feedback.
Wheelchair participant Deon Torris said he enjoyed the event. “I and am a firm supporter of disability awareness.”
Steenkamp said the Circle of Life from Eersterust provided the healthcare services which included HIV/Aids counselling and testing, health risk screening for blood pressure and glucose testing.
During the event, Steenkamp highlighted the importance of disability mainstreaming, emphasising the five mental disorders that the organisation focused on.
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She said the medals, sponsored by Cisco, were awarded to all participants and prizes were presented to the winners of various categories.
To end the day, participants enjoyed a meal, and music was provided for entertainment.
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