Sunday is a red-letter day for the patients of Madwaleni Hospital’s rehabilitation department and more than 100 wheelchair users living in and around the district hospital near Elliotdale.
The seventh Rolling Hills Wheelchair races will be an opportunity for people who are wheelchair users to pit themselves not only against each other, but also against the rutted gravel roads the eastern parts of the province are notorious for and which can lead to a sense of isolation.
A celebratory air prevails at the races, with cheering crowds egging participants along and Spar-sponsored eats and drinks provided for everyone.
“It’s a bit of a party,” said community service speech therapist Danielle Mouissie.
“But the races also raise awareness of the struggles wheelchair users face when getting around. The terrain is so rough and taxi fares are so high especially when they get charged extra for a wheelchair. It’s not like cities which have ramps everywhere.”
Mouissie said the races take place on the road outside the rural hospital and will consist of four events:
lAn 800m where parents will push 32 children with cerebral palsy in their buggies;
lAn 80m “dash” for 15 children with hemiplegia cerebral palsy – where only half the body is affected;
lA 2.5km race for about 30 wheelchair users who will propel themselves; and
lAn “off-road” 5km race in which nine of the most hardcore racers will use specialised rough terrain three-wheeled wheelchairs.
Disabled people from rural hospitals as far afield as Zithulele Hospital near Coffee Bay and Isilimela Hospital near Port St Johns will be transported to Madwaleni for the big day.
“It’s a lovely, noisy day and people look forward to it every year,” said Mouissie.
Wheelchair users take on each other in a day of races
The seventh Rolling Hills Wheelchair races will be an opportunity for people who are wheelchair users to pit themselves not only against each other, but also against the rutted gravel roads the eastern parts of the province are notorious for and which can lead to a sense of isolation.
A celebratory air prevails at the races, with cheering crowds egging participants along and Spar-sponsored eats and drinks provided for everyone.
“It’s a bit of a party,” said community service speech therapist Danielle Mouissie.
“But the races also raise awareness of the struggles wheelchair users face when getting around. The terrain is so rough and taxi fares are so high especially when they get charged extra for a wheelchair. It’s not like cities which have ramps everywhere.”
Mouissie said the races take place on the road outside the rural hospital and will consist of four events:
lAn 800m where parents will push 32 children with cerebral palsy in their buggies;
lAn 80m “dash” for 15 children with hemiplegia cerebral palsy – where only half the body is affected;
lA 2.5km race for about 30 wheelchair users who will propel themselves; and
lAn “off-road” 5km race in which nine of the most hardcore racers will use specialised rough terrain three-wheeled wheelchairs.
Disabled people from rural hospitals as far afield as Zithulele Hospital near Coffee Bay and Isilimela Hospital near Port St Johns will be transported to Madwaleni for the big day.
“It’s a lovely, noisy day and people look forward to it every year,” said Mouissie.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos