Big medal haul for swimmers
Unathi Shologu
"IT'S simple - if you want to learn to swim, jump into the water," which is exactly what the Eastern Cape disabled swimming team did as they participated in the recent South African Disabled Swimming Championships.
"The team put on an exceptional performance to ensure they qualified and represented us nationally in Pretoria," said manager and coach Nazlie Abrahams.
Although the team had only five members, they won 10 bronzes, one silver and one gold medal.
They now have the honour of saying they are the first Eastern Cape relay swim team to win a medal.
To encourage other disabled swimmers to not allow their physical disabilities to prevent them from pursuing their passions, Abrahams said: "many people have the idea that because someone is in a wheelchair they are incompetent.
"There are various swimming apparatuses available which prevent any unpleasant situations. Never assume a person in a wheelchair is incapable from participating in lifestyle activities. They also enjoy them like everyone else does."