Update

GEORGE NEWS -The date for the 2019 Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) has been finalised. It will take place on Saturday 14 September.

After last week's confirmation that the event will go ahead this year, the tentative date was the weekend of 21/22 September, but careful consideration on Tuesday led them to change the date. This was confirmed to the George Herald by Alewijn Dippenaar, chairperson of the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRFF).

He said the decision was taken for logistical reasons. Other events are taking place on the weekend of 21 September and George doesn't have the capacity to accommodate all the events on the same weekend.

In the meantime, athletes have welcomed the news that the 2019 OCC will take place after all. Over the last 16 years, the OCC has become a beacon event among the disabled community in South Africa and abroad.

Andrew Stodel has participated at least 10 times. He said that while everybody has their preferred date, in principle he welcomes the decision to go ahead with the event. The organisers must finalise the date - the sooner the better, as people need to plan ahead.

André Koen from Riversdal is excited and will definitely participate. "We are glad it didn't end in a dead end. It is a wonderful event and a highlight every year. You can measure yourself against other athletes in a similar situation." He added that some of the athletes don't want to place their hope on the specific event as they have been disappointed a few times. "We really hope it takes place this year." At the moment Koen is preparing for the Knysna cycle race that will take place on 23 June. He still has to decide if which distance he will participate in, but after that race he will have a good idea of how fit he is.

• The organisers ask that people participate in a survey they are conducting relating to the OCC. It will only take a minute or two. "Your input is important and valuable. You are welcome to distribute the link to your circle of influence for additional responses which will broaden the opinion poll."

The purpose is to get the community involved and test their opinion. The closing date for the survey is Friday 26 April. To complete the survey, click here.

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