A surfer with cerebral palsy has her eyes set on international waters but needs your help getting there.
Noluthando Makalima, 31, from Khayelitsha is an adaptive surfer (AS) and the only thing standing in her way of representing South Africa at the 2020 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Paralympics Surfing Championships in California, USA, in March is R30 000.
Adaptive surfing allows disabled athletes to compete against and alongside able-bodied athletes.
Adaptive surfing is part of the Olympics and Paralympics Games and was introduced to the disabled community of South Africa for the first time in 2011.
“I started AS in 2014 and it started out as just doing it for fun, then it became a hobby but I grew to love it so much and now it has become my passion.
“I practise at Muizenberg beach every Friday and make sure never to miss a session,” Noluthando says.
Although she walks using a crutch, she believes this is her calling.
BEATING ODDS: Noluthando walks with the aid of crutches. Picture: Supplied
Noluthando took gold at her first ever competition last year, which automatically placed her in the 16-member team to represent the country.
“In May, I took part in the South African Championships and won my first gold medal in the AS5 Women’s Division,” she explains.
“I was so happy because this gave me this wonderful opportunity before me now.
“I have never been overseas before and I have been working hard trying to get sponsors from businesses.”
The single mom is currently doing an administrative internship and says she really wants to make her Californian dream a reality.
“This would mean the world to me. Surfing is my escape, my relaxation tool.
“This is a big opportunity for me which doesn’t come around easily.
“I really want to go to California to go and win my gold medal again.
“I want to make myself and my five-year-old daughter proud,” Noluthando says.
At the same time she wants to expose the sport and encourage others with her condition to face their fears by trying new challenges.
“The first time I tried it, I was afraid, but I faced my fears.
“I know this is not a very popular sport (for the disabled) but I want people to know about the sport and encourage them to face their fears.
“If I can do it, being disabled, so can you,” she adds.
If you would like to assist Noluthando, contact her on 084 561 1973
.
robin.francke@inl.co.za