Clifford Martin

Every now and again we hear about a story that just stays with us. This is one such story and one we wanted to share it with all of you. This is a story of determination, courage and of not letting situations get the better of you and of believing in the person you are and striving towards a dream, regardless of the circumstances.

If you feel you would like to help Clifford in anyway perhaps a sponsorship, then please contact us at info@communitynetwork.co.za. We will gladly put you in touch with Clifford.
Clifford Martin is a 32 year old, male paraplegic who has had a passion for sports from a very young age.

He was involved in a car accident at the age of 15 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Prior to his accident, he was a very enthusiastic sportsman and obtained his South African junior colors in Rugby, athletics and Surfing as well as Border colors in Rugby, Athletics, Surfing and Chess.
The accident may have left him paralyzed, but definitely didn't shatter his dream or his passion for sports. Being forced to give up on his Rugby, athletics and surfing career, Clifford pursued a career in disabled powerlifting, bench pressing, javelin, shotput and discus with his main focus being on bench pressing.
He has thus far been involved in many events and competitions. To name a few:
o SSN Powerlifting-endurance powerlifting competition - 1st place (competed against abled bodied men)
o DB Supplements - endurance powerlifting competition - 1st place
o USN Challenge- endurance powerlifting competition - 1st place
o Zone fitness bench pressing challenge 2011 - 1st
o Bench pressing Western Province colors - 2010, 2011 and 2012
Furthermore he has competed in many wheelchair races and has done many fun walk/runs:
o The Mandela 27 year Freedom Race
o The Gun Run
o The Gandhi Peace Walk
o My School Move For Health-6km race
o Blue Downs Fun Run
o Cape Town Big Walk
o Eskom Mitchelle's Plain Wheelchair Race
Clifford competed at the SA Champs in March 2012 in Kwa Zulu Natal.
Being unemployed rendered it very difficult for Clifford to finance all his sporting activities however through the help of sponsors like the Helping Hands Organisation and VSlots, he was able to compete at the SA Champs for bench pressing and was placed 2nd.
It was at the SA Champs that Clifford broke the SA record TWICE, however his record was subsequently also broken. We are all very proud of Clifford and wish him the best of luck.