Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Disabled but able: Marshall Marsh

Top Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMU) wheelchair tennis player Marshall Marsh associated with Disability Awareness Month to host the “In Our Shoes” campaign yesterday (14/09). The Human Movement Science student who is ranked number three in South Africa (SA) took time off his busy schedule to teach students the basics of wheelchair tennis. Many students attended the campaign which was held at NMMU’s South Campus.

At first all the students were keen to participate in wheelchair tennis but competing with Marsh proved to be difficult. With limited competition for Marsh, he was flawless in his passings and deliveries. One of the Accounting students Mbasa Ndlela was shocked after her game with Marsh, “It’s not as simple as he [Marsh] makes it out to be” she exclaimed.

Some of Marsh’s achievements include being selected to represent SA as a member of the Open Men’s Team at the 2011 ITF World Team Cup in Pretoria. Following his third ranking, he was jetted off to Sri Lanka to represent SA. Marsh, also known as “Mobi” for his mobility has embraced and accepted his disability. His face bloomed with passion throughout the day, “The in Our Shoes campaign is a great initiative to educate people about disabilities” he said. Marsh has seen his disability as a blessing rather than a curse.

He has achieved more than the average ‘able’ person and he is not reaching a halt any time soon. Marsh is currently practising for what seems to be his greatest goal. He would not reveal his latest quest but the London Paralympics qualifiers are around the corner.  
Marshall Marsh in action!


By Andisiwe Mtengwane

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