Inclusive games to be held at Amanzimtoti Main Beach
Disabled and able-bodied people, mimicking a disability, can participate in games like fishing, volleyball, and a hacky-sack game.
THE first-ever Water Sweets Games, which aims to enhance inclusive tourism for differently-abled individuals, will be held at Amanzimtoti Main Beach from December 20 to 23.
Organised by Wheels on Waves, an organisation on a mission to have floatable wheelchairs on all beaches, the event aims to integrate disabled and able-bodied people, with an emphasis on fun.
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Marketing manager, Dylan James, said the games are designed so that everyone can compete against each other, with the able-bodied mimicking a disability, in the spirit of fairness.
The games include a three-hole beach arm golf course where participants will sit on the sand and throw the ball towards the hole, a day of fishing, seated volleyball and a South African Sports Quiz. They will also play Danito, a hacky-sack game named after an inspiring young man who is completely blind.
James said, “He is no stranger to the beach as he was trained in the beach pool, from not being able to swim to completing the Midmar Mile within six months.”
After the final, there will be a closing ceremony on the beach, followed by an after party with live entertainment.
In partnership with Sapphire Coast Tourism, the games will be hosted by Rolling with Reece, an 18-year-old quadriplegic with a passion for sports and a dream to become a commentator. James said Reece has the lived experience to fully understand the importance of inclusivity.
“He was given a 50/50 chance of living, but his tenacity and zest for life ensured that he defied the odds. His father and co-founder of Wheels on Waves, Wesley, used to carry him down the beach. Local business people saw this and clubbed together to buy a floatable beach wheelchair for him. Reece donated the wheelchair to the lifesaving club so that other disabled persons could also use it,” he said.
Their goal is to continue increasing accessibility, and making Amanzimtoti the capital of accessible tourism for disabled visitors.
Bookings for the event can be done via email rollingwithreece@gmail.com or by calling 064 880 0834.
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