GEORGE NEWS - D-Day for the organisers of the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) is on 15 August. 

By then they must have at least another R150 000 - the amount needed for this year's event to go ahead.

In a recent survey conducted by the George Business Chamber via Survey Monkey, 38 businesses indicated their willingness to support the OCC financially, or in kind, and 37 said they are willing to get actively involved or serve on the organising committee.

This year's OCC, the 17th since its inception in 2002, takes place in host and founder city George on Saturday 14 September, but sponsorships and donations are needed to make this a reality.

After George Municipality announced earlier this year that the event was cancelled because ACSA George had withdrawn its sponsorship, a group of citizens took up the challenge to still make the event happen, as it is of big importance in the world of disabled sports.

Calls for assistance

Chamber CEO Ingrid Cronje last week asked businesses that took part in the survey to come forward as they are unable to ascertain from the survey which businesses are those willing to assist. "We would like to make an urgent appeal to businesses to come forward. Your contributions in whatever form is highly valued!"

She said there is a financial shortfall of at least R150 000 to allow the event to take place. "Put in simple terms, only 30 businesses need to give R5 000 each in order to overcome the financial challenge. Please find it in your hearts to support this very important event," Cronje pleaded in an e-mail to chamber members.

Alewijn Dippenaar, chairperson of the organising committee, confirmed the R150 000 shortfall to the George Herald. The matter will be discussed at a meeting of the organising committee today,

18 July. He said the money is needed to balance the books, for lunch for the participants on the Friday and drawstring bags, among others. Currently one of the biggest challenges is transport costs for the teams.

Dippenaar asked people to get involved as this is an important event for George. He said not only is financial support needed, but also people to serve on the organising committee.

The organisers are expecting about 700 participants. So far more than 100 people have entered for the event.

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