Iconic OCC cancelled

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GEORGE NEWS - The iconic Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC), a George gem, has been cancelled.

Race Director Alewijn Dippenaar made the announcement yesterday evening via email.

“We regret to inform you that the OCC scheduled for February 22 2025 has been cancelled due to unforeseen financial constraints. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your loyal support over the years,” he wrote.

The event was started in 2002 by the late Esther Watson and has become the pride and joy of George.

Dippenaar said after they were told by George Municipality that it was drastically reducing its sponsorship of the OCC last year, the organisers did all they could to raise the R800 000 needed to host the event, but to no avail.

The only previous time it was cancelled was in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But Dippenaar is not giving up. “We plan to appeal to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie for a sponsorship for next year and will explore other avenues to raise funds. It is no use trying to present a half-baked OCC this year. Let’s rather make a comeback in 2026 – bigger and better than ever.”

More details to follow soon. Comment is also being awaited from the municipality.

Contestants ready for their race. Photo: File image