Reece Smith’s infectious spirit and determination to live life to the fullest shine through despite his physical challenges.
Amanzimtoti, South Africa (07 August 2024) – Near the coastal shores of the South Coast of KZN, resides a young man with a big heart and zest for life.
Reece Smith, who is a quadriplegic, recently received a special floatable wheelchair called a sand cruiser thanks to the generosity of local businesses so he could access and enjoy the beach in Amanzimtoti.
Speaking to The Good Things Guy, Reece shared that before the floatable wheelchair arrived, he could only access the beach by chilling on the shore during spring low tide, and let the small waves crash into him.
“However, my dad had to carry me to the shore which was obviously not easy because I’m an adult and not that light. Now, that there is a floatable wheelchair, my dad can just push me to the shore and I can enjoy the waves crashing into me while in the floatable wheelchair,” shared the 18-year-old.
Reece’s dad, Wesley, has dedicated his spare time to helping anyone living with a disability to share a similar experience by using the chair for free at the Amanzimtoti beach, through their new project called Wheels on Waves.
Born with Arthrogryposis, Reece is a quadriplegic with an extraordinary passion for life. His charismatic personality and unwavering determination inspire everyone around him. A passionate sports fan, he shares his enthusiasm through engaging sports content and reviews on his Facebook page, Rolling with Reece.
His favourite athlete is Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe because he epitomises that athletes with a small physique can still excel in rugby.
Together, Reece and his dad are breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of the beach.
“I plan to get more beach wheelchairs onto Toti beach and to other beaches. I am also planning to make Amanzimtoti Beach a disabled tourism hotspot,” shared a determined Wesley.
To support their initiative toward making beach fun more accessible for the disabled, contact Rollingwithreece@gmail.com.
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