Local kneeboard surfer Anton Wiersma has been selected to represent South Africa in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships which will be held in Ls Jolla, California from March 11 to 15.
Wiersma started surfing about 33 years ago and has been a kneeboard surfer about for 19 years, after he lost his right leg below the knee to cancer. He became an inspiration to everyone he met thanks to his friendly, caring nature and his skills on a kneeboard, surfing as well as the best able-bodied surfers.
“I would be so proud to represent my country in the upcoming adaptive games that will be held in La Jolla, California in March 2020. I want to inspire as many people as I can, especially other disabled surfers – just as they inspired me when I first read up about them,” he said.
“As much as I am representing our country in this Paralympic competition, each one of us has to raise their own funds and I am looking for sponsorship. Anyone who can help me would be much appreciated. I would really love to go to this competition and represent SA,” Wiersma said.
He said he chose surfing as a sport because he loves it and no other sport could compare to it. He also has a gogetfunding page to raise the money needed to get to California. The name of the page is “Get Anton to the 2020 Para Surfing Championships in California”. On the page there is information about Wiersma and donation options that allow people to donate through the page.
Anyone who is interested in sponsoring the kneeboard surfer can do so by contacting him on 078-810-4888 for more information.
BY NTOMBENTSHA MSUTU