OCC welcoming athletes

GEORGE NEWS - Athletes participating in the 2024 Outeniqua Chair Challenge tomorrow morning, Saturday 24 February, are being welcomed with a function at the Carpe Diem sport field this evening.

Jean Neethling from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in his speech said the OCC is a highlight on the department's calendar.

"We have supported the race from the beginning and hope to do so for many years in the future."

Alewijn Dippenaar, the race director, said the race has attracted fewer competing athletes in the marathon, half-marathon and 10 km race as a result of the economic climate and the cost of travelling which is especially high as athletes have to travel with their race chairs in addition to their ordinary wheelchairs, requiring extra buses.

A team of 17 athletes from Limpopo are not coming as they could not collect the necessary funds. The Ghana team is smaller with only three athletes, but the Namibian team will be participating in full force and Botswana has entered a team for the first time.

Stuart McCreadie, last year's 42 km winner, gold medallist Pieter du Preez and the youngster Zach Legward who has inspired many with his grit and determination, will be in action.

Dippenaar said they are pleased that the 5 km fun ride is packed with more than 300 entries so far.

"We are also very happy with the number of businesses that have entered for the Kaskar race. Twenty-eight will be having fun in this event. Everyone is looking forward to the fun and action tomorrow that will start at 07:00 with the start of the marathon."

All the way from Cape Town, Lilanie Groenewald, who has entered for the 5 km fun ride, and her mom, Maggie Groenewald.

Moleen Majony, only athlete from Zimbabwe is here for her 10th OCC. She is taking part in the 21 km race. With her is Mkhuseli Noruga from Cape Town who has done five OCC races and is entered for the 10 km race. Both say they are feeling energetic and are looking forward to the race. Photos: Alida de Beer