BLUFF Bowling Club’s Michiel Botha, fondly known as Miggie, has been selected to compete at the Disabled National Tournament in Johannesburg from April 5-13. Although he faces financial setbacks, he is determined to follow his passion for bowls.

Also read: Community rallies in support of injured Bluff cyclist

Botha lives with Ulnar Palsy, an illness that resulted in a claw hand.

“The Ulnar nerve was completely severed and smashed, and my Ulnar bone was broken. I cannot move my thumb up. I have minimal movement, I can close my fingers, but I am unable to open them. I also have no feeling on the right half of my ring finger and the numbness extends up my arm,” said Botha.

His disability was due to a terrible accident on April 19, 2024. While cycling along Marine Drive on The Bluff at around 16:30, a vehicle turned sharply in front of him at an intersection. “It was so sudden that I could not swerve to get out of its way. I crashed head-on into the car and was tossed to the other side,” he said.

The accident left him with multiple fractures on his arms, ribs, legs, and face, which required a seven-week hospital stay and intensive treatment.

Despite all challenges he has faced thus far, Botha will be representing the nation at the Disabled National Tournament, which takes place at the JBA – Bedfordview Country Club (HQ) and Ridge Park Bowling Club. However, due to financial difficulties he has to raise R6000 for transport, flights, and other expenses.

“I’ve played bowls for years, but I have always been right-handed,” Botha explained. “Following the accident, I had to re-learn the sport and play left-handed. Although it was a bit of a struggle, I realised that I was getting quite good with my left hand,” he said.

Residents who would like to assist Botha may donate directly into his ABSA account with the account number 9084468229.

Alternatively, donations may also be made through his BackaBuddy campaign at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/fundraiser-for-michiel-miggie-botha?fbclid=IwY2xjawI7eG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVghN6A3VjlKdHqauic9oCWunHwQF93ekjZiF8Ywuxp1A4x7TQ3DJVb8FA_aem_4Ny-Vdd7mO2x66mG6tmlqQ

Each contribution, no matter how big or small, will go a long way towards ensuring that Botha achieves his aspiration to play at national level.

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