Para surfer looks forward to SA champs
Having come from an athletic background, the prospect of representing her country in a sporting event has always been a distant dream.
The countdown is on for this year’s South African National Para Surfing Championships in Durban.
Made For More, an NPO, is proud to host the ninth edition of this championship from April 12-13.
Sue Martin, a well-known Mid-South Coast local, will be participating in this event and feels a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
“I am appreciative to Made for More for enabling me this experience,” she said.
“Their commitment to supporting disabled individuals in gaining new capabilities is commendable.”
Having come from an athletic background, the prospect of representing her country in a sporting event has always been a distant dream.
“Now, I have the chance to compete with the aim of achieving this honour. It still feels surreal.”
She is looking forward to meeting her competitors and, with the guidance of her coach, to tackle the best waves on the day.
Before moving to KZN, Sue spent most of her life in Gauteng, so surfing is a new experience for her.
She has always lived an adventurous life and has ticked paragliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling and flying in an autogyro off her bucket list.
In 2015, while training for the mountain bike stage race, Imana, a freak accident left her paralysed from the chest down. This did not stop her from adjusting to wheelchair living and quickly involving herself in the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa’s (QASA) Sweethearts Foundation Breadtags for Wheelchairs project and Made for More.
She also competed in a para-cycling event for charity.
Sue stated that life undergoes significant changes when a person becomes paralysed.
She explained that participating in national and possibly international activities are achievable through organisations like Made for More, which aims to include, equip and empower people with disabilities.
“Often, disabled individuals are overlooked, but Made for More provides an opportunity to address this issue.”
Sue and all other participants are looking forward to the community supporting and celebrating them as they showcase their skills and determination at the event.
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