The Disabled Presented With Meals Donated By Fort Hare

Participants in the fun wheel-and-wallk for children with disabilities at the beachfront in East London were awarded medals donated by the University of Fort Hare. The event, which had attracted a record 470 participants, was attended by among others, cricketer Makhaya Ntini, Buffalo City Deputy Mayor Des Halley and officials from the premier’s office and the Welfare Department took place on Saturday 8th June 2002.

Halley and Ntini led the pack of children in the 5 km and 2km walks. Participants Ondela Tshabeti and Thabisa Dyolisi, both from Mdantsane, praised the organizers for their concern about the disabled. They said they were pleased to find there were people who cared for the disabled. They called those with disabilities not to feel ashamed of their handicap. “They are just like an other person. If they have trust in themselves they can do anything that a normal person can do, said Dyolisi.
Ntini, a favourite with all the participants, walked the 5 km event twice, first pushing a man in a wheelchair and then carrying a four-year-old girl on his shoulders. Ntozethemba was thrilled to see his hero Ntini in the flesh – and to be able to talk to him.

Ntini told the children that nothing could stop them from achieving their dreams if they believed in themselves.

The university also provided natural spring water to the participants.