WCW: Parasurfer Similo Dlamini is riding the waves with confidence
"Being a differently abled black female from Kwa-Mashu has not stopped me
from living and making the most of life" - Similo Dlamini.
This week we are celebrating a super special lady who is all about spreading her 'can-do' outlook on life.
Similo Dlamini was born with a condition called PFFD (Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency), which affected her right leg. This led her to use an above-the-knee prosthesis.
But by no means has that stopped her from pushing forward with her goals. Being the adrenaline junkie and water baby that she is, she has a host of accolades to her name.
The water has been the equaliser for her, allowing her to participate in sports. Dlamini has always been an active person and began swimming at around the age of three.
Besides completing some Midmar Miles and Dolphin Miles, surfing was the natural fit for her. With the support of 'Made For More' riding, she can ride one wave at a time.
"Made for More is a Non-Profit Company that aims to include, empower & equip people with disabilities through sport. With a vision of seeing people with disabilities live purpose-filled and passionate lives, breaking the stigma associated with disabilities." (VUM)
Being a differently abled black female from Kwa-Mashu has not stopped me from living and making the most of life. I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie and my 'can-do' outlook has led me to bungee jumping from Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and Soweto Towers in Soweto, paragliding from Signal Hill in Cape Town, and shark cage diving at uShaka Marine World in Durban.
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Other key achievements include 2x KZN and SA Parasurfing Championship Female Kneel division 2022 & 2023. She was also placed 1st in the kneel division of the Parasurf League Open 2023; was nominated at the KZN Sports Awards 2022 for Sportswoman of the Year with a disability, and represented South Africa at the 2022 World Parasurfing Championships in Pismo Beach, California USA.
Similo is a true inspiration, not just to females all around the world, but also to both able and differently-abled people.
She shared her favourite quote with us and we have to say that it says heaps about her as a person.
"Focus on your abilities, overcome your limitations".
Image Supplied by East Coast Radio