The differently abled reach new levels of liberation on the sports field and golf course
It’s not possible for everyone with physical or mental disabilities to reach those stellar heights but those who do are an inspiration to others
Many able-bodied people find it hard enough to exercise the discipline needed to get fit and stay there. For those with any kind of disability — or who are "differently abled" as I saw on a sign at Absa Bank — physical activity is even more of a challenge. The number of athletes SA sends to the Paralympics and the Commonwealth Games shows that it is possible to overcome the hurdles. Of course, it’s not possible for everyone with physical or mental disabilities to reach those stellar heights. But those who do are an inspiration to others. The last South African census report (2011) claimed that 7.5% of the population (2,870,130 people) live with some form of disability. Disabled People SA (DPSA) immediately challenged the figure, saying that the real percentage is likely to be almost double, at about 14%. An estimated 1-billion people are living with disabilities worldwide. And the reality, as experts have noted, is that they encounter a range of physical and social barriers that pre...
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