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Early this morning, Miss Wheelchair South Africa Tamelyn Bock, landed back after a wonderful weekend in Mexico for the Miss Wheelchair World event.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (01 November 2022) – Miss Wheelchair South Africa Tamelyn Bock represented the country at the Miss Wheelchair World 2022 at a gala event that was held in Tijuana, Mexico over the weekend. She was so pleased to not only fly the flag high but also to connect with fellow contestants.

Tamelyn was born in the Northern Cape and later diagnosed with spinal atrophy, a genetic condition that affects the nerves and weakens the muscles. By the time she was eight years old, she relied on the use of a wheelchair.

Tamelyn wanted to do something new and decided to take part in the Miss Wheelchair South Africa competition. Never did she imagine she would go on to win and become a representative of her country For her, the opportunity to compete in the Miss Wheelchair World 2022 competition was a dream come true.

“Thank you to all that supported me to showcase beauty without barriers and help me to change the perception, narrative and image of disabled women in South Africa and globally, makes all the years I’ve felt unseen and unheard worthwhile” – Tamelyn Bock

The Universal Accessibility Hub played an integral part in helping get Tamelyn get to Mexico, working with various sponsors and donors to cover costs and more. In partnership with the Tourvest Group, Tamelyn was able to get from Springbok, Northern Cape, to Cape Town for her flights. Several other donors joined to cover the shortfall of costs for her aide to join.

Copper 360 from her hometown donated R50 000 towards the expenses and the Northern Cape Tourism Authority stepped up too. Many private donors answered the call too and together, Tamelyn and her aide were able to get to Mexico.

“Opening doors and giving Ms Bock an opportunity to represent South African to ensure the chant of Leaving No One Behind stays alive for years leading to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) commitment, propels that people with disabilities are integrated in all life experiences” – Shama Nathoo

Shama Nathoo, the Managing Director and Founder of Universal Accessibility Hub, shared Tamelyn’s successful trip with us. While she didn’t place this year, Tamelyn was the first Miss Wheelchair South Africa to represent the country. Her goal has not changed, and the trip has brought more awareness to the struggles and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Shama Nathoo, organised the first Miss Wheelchair South Africa in December 2021. The inaugural event was held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. It was here that Tamelyn earned her Miss Wheelchair South Africa title. South Africa will now be looking at an opportunity to bid for Miss Wheelchair World in 2024 with over 22 countries participating to showcase and drive integration, inclusivity and accessibility.

Tamelyn’s journey to Mexico was not as easy as it could have been. Her travels highlighted yet another issue that needs work in South Africa; accessibility!

“Accelerating the needs and services required for persons with disability is an urgent priority for the tourism industry. There is a massive shortage of wheelchair-accessible accommodation and facilities in the tourism industry. The logistics required for Tamelyn Bock and an aide to travel from her hometown of Springbok in the Northern Cape to Cape Town en route to her departure and arrival are complicated, expensive and unnecessarily daunting and that the industry faces the pressing responsibility to address these glaring inadequacies.” – Judi Nwokedi, COO of Tourvest 

With the world now watching, these things can all lead to the change that makes South Africa a truly inclusive country.


Sources: Universal Accessibility Hub – Supplied
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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