Disability was the last thing on anyone’s mind as wheelchairs raced pell-mell around the netball courts at the Titi Jonas centre in Nemato on Casual Day.
A total of 15 patients came from Alexandria, Marselle and Kenton-on-Sea and 7 patients from Bathurst.
The municipality collected the patients and also prepared the grounds for the influx of people.
The wheelchairs were provided by the hospital and there were four heats of about 15 wheelchairs.
Occupational therapist (OT) Teri-Lee Bartmann organized the event with OT Amy Diedericks and audiologist Jodi Africa from Port Alfred Hospital.
They contacted their patients from the outpatient department and seven mobile clinics by phone, by radio and put up posters to advertise the event.
They also gave a presentation on disabilities after the event.
The new mayor, Phindile Faxi, was the guest speaker and Mzukisi Phahlwa translated English into Xhosa.
The event was sponsored by Pick ‘n Pay and Twizza.
The rain did not impede the speed and in heat number three Mongezi Shweleni came first with Thembalethu Malethu pushing his wheel chair.
