KYLE Bowles (37) from Treasure Beach is a living embodiment of resilience and passion. Bowles’ life took a dramatic turn in November 2013 that left him paralysed from the waist down.

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While travelling to work in the Maydon Wharf area, Durban, on his scooter during a slight drizzle the tyre slid on the train tracks which led to an unfortunate accident.

“I fell over and slid for a few metres on the ground. I slammed into a stationery truck parked on the side of the road. The impact left me paralysed from the waist down,” he said.

Getting used to life in a wheelchair was challenging, but Bowles would not let his situation get him down. He was determined to continue fighting and found meaning in adaptive sports, specifically wheelchair basketball.

In 2017 he represented a Durban club, initially called The Marlins, which was later renamed The Spears. His talent and hard work saw him play at club, provincial levels representing KZN and eventually joining the South African wheelchair basketball team.

“I have represented South Africa at international tournaments in Dubai as well as Angola,” he shared. 

However, in 2019, Bowles developed a deep pressure sore and was forced into extended bed rest. No longer able to compete, he had to retire from the sport of his passion. While it was a difficult setback, he felt hopeful about other possibities.

That opportunity came in 2022 in the most unexpected way, via dance. A chance encounter with Jarryd Watson, the artistic director for Dance Movement at a local supermarket, had once again changed the course of Bowles’ life. The meeting led to a six-month learnership with Dance Movement where Bowles discovered the vast potential of his body. “I discovered my disabled body can do more. After proper guidance and great training that’s where it took off,” he said.

As he practised and gained experience, he grew to appreciate the hip-hop and contemporary genre, but it was contemporary dance that really allowed him to shine. Now, in his third year with the group, Bowles said, “I look forward to the projects that we have each year. The excitement of just waiting to see what we are going to showcase each time and then eventually showcasing our work, is an unmatched feeling.”

From a brilliant wheelchair basketball athlete to an emerging dancer, Bowles’ story is one of will and perseverance. He is an inspiration to all, showing that no matter what life throws at you, you can always overcome it.

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