Wheels or feet, you’ve gotta roll with it
The 20th Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) takes place on Saturday 24 February, hosted by the Disabled Road Race Foundation with George Municipality as premier partner, and the support of select provincial and local organisations and businesses.
Athletes from all over South Africa and a substantial contingent from elsewhere on the continent will descend on George for the weekend, with registration at Carpe Diem School on Friday the 23rd preceding that evening’s official opening ceremony.
Significant racers
Serious athletes signing up for OCC24 in the marathon and half-marathon categories include SA racing legend and Paralympics 2020 gold medallist Pieter du Preez, and Ghanaian marathon star Botsyo Nkegbe, who had both won gold in the OCC 42km race before.
Lining up in the senior male quadriplegic marathon category will be fellow former
winners Stuart McCreadie and Eugene Steyn. Other big names to look out for on the marathon and half-marathon routes will be Andre Koen and former female winner
Justine Asher.
Last year’s 21km winner, Shaun Butler, will be joined on this route by Syborn Modesto, and other regular OCC competitors to look out for on Saturday include Amos Nkosi, Sister Maseko, Sakkie Conradie and Peter West.
Celebrity
Among competitors on the 10km starting line will be another famous South African – with a slightly different claim to fame. Martelize Brink is much more than just a popular RSG radio presenter, food-and-wine aficionado, and all-round inspirational livewire.
Since losing the use of her legs practically overnight as a teenager, she has been adamant that this so-called disability will not stand in her way.
On the eve of OCC 24, it is apt to share her philosophy on grabbing life by the horns: "Be hardegat in a diplomatic way". This directive is a nutshell version of her advice to people in wheelchairs, or anyone labelled as differently abled: you are in control of people's perceptions, and participating in the OCC is a big enabling statement.
Brink encourages not only participants but the general public to do what they do best through their support and patience. “It means a lot when people on the side of the road cheer you on. The public’s tolerance of the temporary traffic upheaval is also highly appreciated.”
upon to help OCC organisers making the event roll in all senses of the word. Volunteers are invited to help marshalling the routes, including the marathon and half-marathon tracks. Alternatively, please sign up to push one of the many contestants in the 5km fun race – it really is the best fun ever! Contact Charlene Theron on 084 314 4323.
For more information, contact Alewijn Dippenaar at dyndev@ mweb.co.za or on 082
457 5675, or get in touch with Disabled Road Race Foundation chairperson Shaun Butler on 083 701 8387.