Disadvantaged paracyclist appeals for sponsors
Seated comfortably on his specialised bicycle, he told the publication that cycling was one form of activity that guaranteed food on his family’s table.
A local paracyclist is looking for sponsors to help him get back to doing what he does best on the track.
Simon Makgobula, who is from Munsieville in Krugersdorp and is living with a disability, has a passion for cycling but is being held back by financial difficulties.
The Northsider caught up with Simon on the corner of Wilgerood and Christian de Wet Roads in Struben’s Valley where he was trying to make passing motorists aware of his desperate plea.
Seated comfortably on his specialised bicycle, he told the publication that cycling was one form of activity that guaranteed food on his family’s table. Sadly, he said he last competed about two years ago.
“I started competing in 2013. I’ve raced in Pietermaritzburg and Stellenbosch, and also competed in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) paracycle champs in Switzerland and Italy where I rode for the SA team,” he said.
Simon said his last competition was the 947 cycle challenge in 2018, which he said he finished in three hours and 44 minutes.
He said he lost his limbs at the age of 16 following a devastated train accident. Although it took him a while to accept his new life, the day came when he became motivated and was able to pursue a career in cycling and wheelchair spinning.
“If I’m not cycling or promoting it in my township, I do wheelchair spinning,” he said.
“I’m a pro spinner; I can do any style you can think of sitting in a wheelchair,” he smiled.
Simon appealed to event organisers that should he be unable to get a sponsorship, to at least book him to showcase his wheelchair spinning talent. He also pleaded for funds to repair his broken bicycle.
To help Simon, contact him on 062 409 6579.
