A CAR accident can turn your life around completely.
While some die, some became paralysed for life as it happened with Sister Maseko (56).
Maseko was involved in a car accident 24-years ago, which left him paralyzed.
Instead of giving up, the Johannesburg Department of Correctional Service’s Human Resources employee came up with a plan.
Because he no longer could run with his legs, he used his hands.
He joined hand-cycling in 2006 and since then, he has never looked back.
To date, he took part in many competitions and has won 12 times in different competitions.
“Before the accident, I was a top runner in athletics. It all ended after an accident which took place in Vooslorus, Ekurhuleni in 2001. I woke up in hospital and was told that I could not walk again, my heart nearly stopped.”
He said the love for sport did not die with his legs.
“I did my research for sports that are good for paralyzed people.”
He said hand cycling made sense for him and that’s when he decided to join it.
From the start, he trained hard and the rest is history.
He then started participating in the Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) in 2006 and that’s where he has become a champion.
“I am grateful to God for giving me an opportunity like this. I love what I do. It makes me happy.”
Maseko said this year, he aims for a gold medal.
His biggest goal is to participate in the Paralympic games.
This year’s OCC will be held on 15 March in George, Western Cape.
Maseko’s only plea to the people of South Africa is to help him get transport for him and his assistant.
“We need transport to get to George and back to Joburg. We will have to transport two wheel chairs (my normal wheelchair and the racing wheelchair).
He said any help will be highly appreciated and those who wish to help can contact him directly on 071 044 4799 or contact Cartrends on 067 051 5941.
The OCC event director and member of the Board of Directors, Alewijn Dippenaar said that it gives them great pleasure to invite Maseko to the competition.
“Maseko is a well-known face that competes every year in the OCC and has achieved great results in the past.”
He said in 2018, he finished 9th position in the 42,2km, in 2019 he achieved a second position in the 10km and in 2022 he came 5th with a time of 02:08;01 in the 42.2km.
He said the Ounteniqua Wheelchair Challenge has two main objectives: to assist South Africa’s local and national athletes in identifying their talent and to compete against international athletes as well as creating an opportunity for ordinary persons with Physical disabilities to build their self-esteem and restore dignity in lives that have long forgotten their own abilities.
The event includes races for various wheelchair types, such as racing chairs, hand cycles and basketball.
