Appeal for wheelchair race volunteers

Public invited to participate in activities

ORGANISERS of this Saturday’s Outeniqua Cycle Challenge (OCC) wheelchair race have appealed for volunteers to join them and assist the disabled athletes.

The 17th OCC, a wheelchair race which attracts athletes from all over the world, will take place in George on Saturday.

The Road Race Foundation said organisers needed around 350 volunteers to push chairs and generally assist athletes.

Volunteers have been requested to report to the organisers in the Eden Meander Mall parking area by 10am on Saturday.

“Over the years, Georgians have shown just what a big heart the city has. The community effort that rescued this year’s race from the brink is testimony to that. The race organisers invite the public to participate, and businesses owners to use this as an opportunity to promote their companies,” the foundation said.

The estimated 800 athletes will each receive a “goody bag”. Should members of the public wish to add something from companies, the goods should be delivered to Halfway Toyota by close of business tomorrow.

The public was also encouraged to attend the opening ceremony at the Race Village at 6pm on Friday, the medal ceremony at 12.30pm at the same venue, and to encourage the athletes during the race.

“An event of this magnitude will necessarily require road closures, but by starting and ending the race outside the city centre (Halfway Toyota), these will be kept to a minimum.

“The public is requested to respect the race marshals and traffic officers. The last thing the City can afford is an accident caused by unco-operative drivers and pedestrians.”

The Knysna Road section between the Garden Route Mall and CTM heading towards George will be completely closed from 8pm on Friday until 2pm on Saturday.

There will be an alternative route via Blue Mountain for the duration of the road closure.

Traffic towards Knysna will not be affected.

The York Street section between Plattner Boulevard and PW Botha Boulevard will be completely closed between 6am and 10am on Saturday.

For both the 21.1km and 42.2km races, the turning point will be 100m beyond the first traffic lights entering Pacaltsdorp.

The turning point for the 10km race will be in front of the Moederkerk, and for the 5km race it will be at Paddagat.

People who wish to volunteer can contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or email dyndev@mweb. co.za