This year, alongside the Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme, Amanzimtoti Main Beach will host the Water Sweets 2024 games, an inclusive programme for disabled holidaymakers – and it’s free of charge.

“We are delighted to continue expanding our inclusive tourism offering with the launch of the Water Sweets 2024 games hosted by Wheels on Waves in conjunction with Sapphire Coast Tourism,” said Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism.

“This will run in conjunction with our popular Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme which includes free seaside games, giveaways, and activities for our Sapphire Coast visitors. It’s set to be a fantastic festive season.”

Reece Smith of Rolling with Reece is working with his father, Wesley, to make Amanzimtoti an international destination for disabled visitors.

In collaboration with the municipality and other stakeholders, the father-and-son team are raising funds to buy Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs through their Wheels on Waves programme to assist visitors with limitations in getting into the water.

The Water Sweets 2024 games, running from December 20-23, will encourage able-bodied and disabled holidaymakers to engage in beach activities together. Some of the activities planned include beach arm golf, fishing, seated volleyball and sports quizzes.

Also on the programme is Danito, named after the inspirational young man who is completely blind yet worked hard to compete in the Midmar Mile just six months after first entering the water. The game involves being blindfolded and throwing a hacky sack on to a scoreboard. The person with the highest score after three throws wins.

The games will conclude on the final day with a Santa Surprise Visit, a festive closing ceremony and an afterparty on the beach.

“Inclusive tourism is a major growth market, with approximately 10% of the global population experiencing some form of disability,” explained Wesley Smith. “Inclusive tourism is more than just a ramp and parking near the entrance. Through the Water Sweets 2024 games, we want to do so much more to make this holiday enjoyable for the disabled person.”

The Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme will run alongside the Water Sweets Games from December 20-23, and pick up again from December 27-31 on Amanzimtoti Main Beach.