Publications
A group of paralysed individuals who were all injured in diving accidents at Harmony Park will band together to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities this Saturday (3 December).
Known as Echos of Hope, the group has striven to bring community awareness around the dangers of diving and its associated risks over the past few years (“Resort casualties proactively raise awareness on diving dangers”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 19 October).
On the day they will host a kilometre walk, starting at Gustrouw Clinic at 09:00 with participants proceeding to Gordon’s Bay.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of disabled people in all spheres of society, and the group has extended an invitation to the entire community, young and old, disabled or not, to join them.
“Please feel free to bring your own poster with a disability slogan,” urged Echos of Hope member Edgar Hartnick. “Come and make a public statement of support.”
He also welcomed such contributions of water, cold drinks, fruit or a meal for the day.
The group had previously conducted awareness campaigns on the dangers of diving at Harmony Park, with support from the City of Cape Town and Quadriplegic SA, over the festive season. They would engage community members and holiday makers on the dangers of diving at the resort.
Following concerns that the campaign was in jeopardy due to budget constraints, the City informed the group that it would still consider a project this year (“Project not nose diving just yet”, 26 October).
Hartnick has since confirmed City officials had contacted him and the manager at Harmony Park was finalising arrangements, with the group expected to be on-site engaging and interacting with resort goers by mid-December.
V To contact Echos of Hope or for more details on the weekend’s march, phone Hartnick on 082 222 5877.
