MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In celebration of his 41st birthday on Thursday 5 March, Mossel Bay resident Wynand Olivier and his sister, Mariska (38), were given the opportunity to take a swim in the ocean.
Both live with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare and progressive genetic condition that has resulted in a loss of movement due to the breakdown of nerve fibres and peripheral nerves in their spinal cords, as well as the slowing of their speech.
Their mother, Denise, told Mossel Bay Advertiser the day was quite emotional for her.
Wynand and Mariska were diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia when they were six and nine. Denise has been their primary caretaker for their entire lives.
She told the Advertiser they both enjoy interacting with others, going out and have a positive attitude overall.
Thursday's trip to Santos Beach was a surprise, organised by the siblings' family and friends to fulfil one of Wynand's biggest wishes: swimming in the sea with his sister by his side.
The group initially waited for Mayor Dirk Kotzé to join the celebration, but because their excitement was so great, they decided they couldn't wait any longer.
Wynand and Mariska Olivier with Kahlo Douglas, Mayor Dirk Kotzé, Ian van der Westhuysen, Chené Kitching, Indie Rossouw and Leo Fraser. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
With the help of five of the Mossel Bay Surf Lifesaving Club's volunteer lifesavers and the use of the Mossel Bay Municipality's beach wheelchairs, Wynand's dream was made reality.
The Mossel Bay Municipality first introduced these beach wheelchairs on Santos Beach in 2022.
They are floating wheelchairs with three large wheels that allow persons with disabilities access to beaches and the opportunity to go into the ocean as well.
Wynand and Mariska were accompanied into the water by the lifesavers, their family and friends, while Denise watched proudly from the shore.
Luckily, Thursday's weather and calm ocean waves provided the perfect condi-tions for their swim.
The family wishes to thank all those involved in making Wynand's dream come true.
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