‘It’s cool to participate.’
More than 1 000 athletes in wheelchairs participated in the 16th Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge in George on Sunday, 18 February.
There was an air of great excitement at the Race Village on the premises of Halfway Toyota, where the 10km, 21,2km and 42,2km and the 5km fun item started and finished.
With the logistic support of George Municipality, the cordoning of the two middle lanes of York and Courtenay streets ensured no traffic congestion. Cyclists of the Hillbillies Cycle Club followed the last athlete in every different category to ensure safe arrival at the finishing line.
Sponsorships by ACSA, George Municipality and the departments of Social Development and Cultural Affairs and Sport ensured an event of quality.
With the aid of these sponsorships, transport was provided for athletes from all nine provinces, as well as Ghana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Participants in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 33 categories (out of a possible 64) shared the prize money totalling R180 000.
George Rotary, with the guidance of a dietician, prepared 1 500 food parcels for the participants and their carers who returned home by bus.
“We would like to show the disabled community that we care,” said Marlene Barnard, chief whip of the DA in George Municipality, who is also involved with Rotary.
“The OCC is the municipality’s flagship project and we are proud to be associated with the event.”
Radio personality Martelize Brink of RSG took part in the 10km race and won the category in which she participated. “It is a privilege to be here to inspire and encourage the athletes. I enjoy challenging myself and it was cool to be here.”
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, also attended. "The OCC proves that disabled people can participate in sport, even if it is only in the 5km fun item.
"This year, visually impaired and mentally challenged individuals took part for the first time. There are not enough events like this, but we would like to encourage athletes who are wheelchair-bound to come forward and suggest opportunities for more involvement."
Anthea Jones of Halfway Toyota said it was the first time the business was involved. "Instead of giving a monetary donation, we put our showroom and the premises at the disposal of the OCC."
Alewijn Dippenaar, chairperson of the DRRF, said the Foundation was planning a George Disabled Games for 2019. “Many of the disabled athletes also participate in other sport codes and we would like to involve them in such Games during the week prior to the OCC.” Dippenaar also thanked the sponsors, the volunteers all the participants who travelled from all over the country to
participate.