A Durban quadriplegic who loves adventures and daredevil thrills is organising the annual fishing tournament for the disabled.
Frank Kruger, who works for the Quad-Para Association KZN in Pinetown, has been organising the event for five years. The event draws 80 competitors irrespective of their disabilities. He is also auctioning a rugby ball autographed by the Sharks. The Quad-Para Association KZN will host the disabled fishing competition on August 1 at Salisbury Island in the harbour.
“Everyone is a winner on the day. To make it competitive we judge for the most fish caught and the biggest fish caught.
Most of these guys only fish once a year which makes the day more special. The atmosphere, joy and spirit among these fishermen is wonderful,” Kruger said.
Kruger said several helpers would be on hand to assist the fishermen on the concrete platform which is wheelchair friendly. Kruger, 50, had blood clots in his spinal cord when he was 23 years old and is now confined to a wheelchair. He has been fishing since the age of 10.
“The biggest moment for me was fishing offshore in Richards Bay in the marlin competition with a friend, Mark Klipton, in May.
“I caught a tuna. We had hooked a marlin but it got away. It was epic. I am in a wheelchair but I love this sport (fishing),” he said.
Kruger – a daredevil – once skydived at Virginia Airshow a few years ago.
He is married with four children who, he says, also love fishing.
“Never give up hope and enjoy life,” said Kruger who was also part of the South African National Defence Force 47 survey squadron soccer team. He played centre forward for the engineers between 1982 and 1984.
The QuadPara Association of KZN is an autonomous non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of quadriplegics and paraplegics. Kruger said they were looking for sponsorships for prizes.
Breakfast and lunch would be served on the day. There was an entry fee of R50, said Kruger, but those who couldn’t afford it could still join in.
Any disabled person who would like to enter can contact QuadPara KZN at 031 701 7444 or Kruger at ashleyvill@mweb. co.za