It’s been eight months since Tamelyn Bock (26) was crowned Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021 and she explains while winning the pageant has been a dream come true, the journey thus far has not been without challenges.
One of the obstacles she currently faces is getting sponsors and funds to help her get to Mexico in October for Miss Wheelchair World pageant.
Bock, together with dozens of other contestants, will vie for the top spot.
Bock was crowned at the first Miss Wheelchair SA pageant held at the Artscape Theatre on Thursday 2 December.
People’s Post caught up with the Northern Cape resident last week when she was in Cape Town to attend a symposium for differently abled women at the Artscape.
Bock says entering a modelling pageant was always a dream, but she says winning the Miss Wheelchair pageant exceeded her expectations.
“It was the first pageant in South Africa for women in wheelchairs, so history was made. It was about raising awareness and putting the spotlight on women with impairments.”
But Bock says the journey so far has highlighted the challenges people with disabilities face.
“The aim of the pageant is to bring awareness and change and taking our spot in society. But it’s challenging because not much support is provided for us to take this step.
“Not everybody is on board and taking hands with me on this journey.”
She adds: “I sometimes feel like some people’s enemies, especially the government and it’s challenging because I feel on my own trying to do this.”
The 26-year-old says she is thankful to those who have supported her thus far and hopes to get more sponsorship for the trip to Mexico.
“I have reached out to government and to organisations. It’s challenging because in the beginning I hear from them and then they just go silent. So up until now there is a few potential sponsors.
“I still need funding, costumes, makeup, accessories, clothing for duration of my stay there. I am asking for people to come on board, it doesn’t matter in what way they can assist me.”
Bock says despite the challenges she is looking forward to attending the Miss Wheelchair World. It will also be her first time travelling abroad.
“It would mean that South Africa embraces inclusivity on an international platform. I am looking forward to it.”
She says winning the competition would be a dream come true.
“Winning would mean worldwide recognition for women with impairments trying to change the world. It would mean that now we have a voice that is going to be recognised worldwide.”
Bock encourages women to not give up on their dreams.
“There is a quote by Elizabeth Stanton which reads ‘the best weapon any woman can have is courage’, so my message is never underestimate the courage that you have because that is the only thing you need to conquer this world and bring change. So, embrace your courage.”
To donate visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/TamelynBock-to-WheelchairWorld
