NATASHIA Angolique Siebert (36) of Amanzimtoti has been selected to represent the country in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in California from November 5 to 11.

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After a tragic motorcycle accident in 2018 left her paralysed from the chest down, Siebert knew she needed to grab and appreciate every opportunity given to her. In 2019, she discovered Made for More, a non-profit company that aims to include, empower and equip people with disabilities through sport.

“There are so many limitations for people in wheelchairs, so being able to take up a sport that caters for me has been phenomenal. Surfing has provided a lot more opportunities and given me a sense of freedom, quietness and peace,” she said.

Since starting her new journey, Siebert has trained tirelessly, in and out of the water, learning the basics and how to manoeuvre to the best of her capabilities and abilities.

“In 2021, I entered my first surfing competition, the KZN Champs. I placed second, and from that moment, I was hooked. In 2022, I went out fighting and managed to win my first KZN title and place second in the SA Championships. I wasn’t going to give up my KZN title, and I won again this year,”

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She recently took part in the South African Para Surfing Championships held in Muizenberg, Western Cape. She fought hard and secured a respectable second place in the women’s prone assisted division, earning her SA colours and a chance to represent the country overseas.

“It’s an honour and an absolute dream come true. I would really appreciate a ‘wheel’ up in support and humbly plead for any assistance in helping me get to Huntington Beach in California for the World Championships,” she said.

In July, she was also honoured to take part in the first para surfing expression session at the 54th Ballito Pro, which allowed adaptive surfers to showcase their skills on a global platform.

For more information, or to make a monetary donation towards her trip, visit her BackaBuddy page.

National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities’ (NPCD) national director, Therina Wentzel, said that a smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully uncontrollable proportions.

“Casual Day has raised over R404m since 1995, thanks to the wonderful support of members of the public who purchase their stickers from participating retail stores, participating companies, our 600+ beneficiary NPOs and schools that renew their participation every year. The proceeds go to persons with disabilities at schools, homes and workshops represented by the participating beneficiary organisations,” Wentzel added.

In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise and to wear them with pride today, September 1. Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.

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