HIGHWAY residents Oliver Sinclair and Douglas Hendrikz are part of the team of 13 surfers who will represent South Africa at the Pismo Beach ISA Para Surfing World Championships.

The competitive event will be held in California, United States, December 7-11.

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Surfers are members of Made for More, a non-profit (NPO) and public utility organization that aims to include, empower and equip people with disabilities through sport. The team is expected to improve from last year’s standings in 6th position and aim to win many medals.

“We are incredibly proud of the members of the SA team for their dedication, hard work and commitment that has helped them get this far,” said Team Manager Erika Hendrikz.

“It’s the biggest and most competitive event in the world. Each member of the team will proudly display the SA flag as they brave the waves in California. “

Oliver Sinclair, affectionately known as Oli, will compete in the Recumbent 2 (Assisted) division. He is currently the SA champion and the KZN champion. The Hillcrest resident was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in January 2004 after losing the use of his legs and speech.

“I have double vision, optic neuritis in my right eye, ataxia, muscle weakness and no use of the right arm and leg,” he said.

When a chance trip to the beach resulted in a stranger asking if he wanted to surf, Sinclair was up for the challenge. “They pushed my wheelchair into the sea, rolled me on a board and the rest is history,” he smiled.

Sinclair loves the freedom that surfing brings.

“My motto for life is laugh, cry, live, die and, in between, if you have the chance, you experience life.

Douglas Hendrikz will compete in the men’s waveski division. He is also the current SA and KZN champion.

Hendrikz, whose motto for life is “perseverance pays dividends”, was involved in a motorcycle accident in 1999 and lost both legs.

The Forest Hills resident said a friend, Sandy Smyth Coffey, spoke to him at the Jbay Open a few years ago while he was on vacation.

“When we got back to Durban, Seth (my son) and I decided to try surfing, so I bought a kneeling board and some wax, got out between the piers and after about 30 minutes of near drowning, I decided to be rescued by a rescuer, ”he said.

After that, Hendrikz decided to get out safely and, via Wez Smith, attended a session with Made for More.

“I tried lying down but struggled and didn’t feel good. It was then that Wez helped me find Viking Waveski, who sponsored me with a custom-made waveski for my disability. From there it opened up a whole new world of surfing for me and I couldn’t do without it, ”he said.

Lend a hand
The team hopes to raise the necessary funds to make the trip abroad.

“Without government support or funding, each team member has the daunting task of raising Rand 40,000 each to cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, food and competition.

“That’s a total of R750,000 to cover the entire South African team. As an organization, we want to help facilitate and support our athletes and this process, ”said Julia Van Zyl, Founding Director of Made for More.

To help sponsor an athlete, visit Made for More’s Given Gain Crown fundraising campaign or contact the NPO for more options. You can also visit www.madeformore.org.za or contact Made for More on 083 235 1083 or by email [email protected]

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