GEORGE NEWS - Despite some challenges, preparations for the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) on Saturday 20 February, are well under way.
"The organising of the 2016 event has had its challenges. The main challenge was that this year all schools opened on the same day, which in the inland provinces was later than usual. This delayed their planning and preparations to send their teams to the OCC," Ansie Swart, the event director of the OCC, told the George Herald, the media sponsor of the event.
But, she said everything is in place for another successful OCC. "We have 400 confirmed participants and everyday this figure grows. Participants from Ghana and Zimbabwe have already confirmed that they will once again be here."
She says every OCC develops its own character. "This year the top athletes, led by South African champion Ernst van Dyk, who has competed in every OCC since its inception in 2002, will use their times to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games later this year," said Swart.
More good news is that the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa), the main sponsor of the OCC, has increased its sponsorship to R700 000. "This is a great help as transport costs to bring the 1 000 participants to George is one of our biggest expenses. Some athletes are short of money for accommodation when they arrive.
"I am appealing to the residents to challenge yourself and come forward so that we can give our visitors peace of mind when they arrive.
"We want them to focus on the experience that George offers as they are the best ambassadors for the city."
The OCC committee is appealing to residents to come forward to join the committee. "We have open portfolios on the organising committee that we would like to fill as soon as possible," said Swart.
"The OCC is not only a race for world class racers but more importantly it gives the ordinary person in a wheelchair the opportunity to rediscover long forgotten abilities and achieve something very special for him or herself. The OCC slogan 'challenge yourself' is the adrenalin that drives the organisers as well as the athletes," said Swart.
The organising committee said it still needs wheelchairs, route marshals and individuals who will be able to push the participants. For more information contact Ansie on 079 397 4655 or Marita on 083 6102 602.
Lancewood a proud sponsor of 2016 OCC
The Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge, fondly known as the OCC among the athletes, had humble beginnings in 2002 with just 27 participants.
Approximately 1 000 wheelchair racers will bring the city of George to a standstill on Saturday 20 February when the local community takes to the streets in support of athletes from across South Africa.
"Lancewood Cheese has been associated with this prestigious event for many years. It takes place in our home town where, for over a decade, we have produced an extensive range of dairy products that have earned both national and global recognition for superior quality and delicious flavour," says Lancewood Brand Manager Shereen Barnard.
"The OCC is not only a race for world class wheelchair racers but, importantly, gives the ordinary person the opportunity to achieve something special.
"Lancewood will continue our commitment to the OCC, which contributes to this remarkable race," concluded Shereen.
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