GEORGE NEWS - The end of November is D-Day regarding the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) 2020. This came to light at a meeting of the organising committee on Thursday 17 October at the Augusta Grill conference room.

At the meeting members of the organising committee gave feedback regarding OCC 2019, which was held on 14 September. The general feeling was that though there were a few challenges, everything went well.

Among the things that were discussed were the route, Race Village, timekeeping, water points, radio communication and the Joint Operational Centre (JOC). The food provided to athletes was also discussed and there was a request that the possibility of using a local caterer for future events be investigated.

Alewijn Dippenaar, chairperson of the organising committee, expressed words of thanks to the sponsors, among them the George Municipality. He said if the George Municipality had not been on board, the event would not have taken place.

According to Dippenaar there was financial and non-financial support. When starting to organise the event, 15 businesses indicated that they were prepared to help. Just three gave cash and six others helped with needs such as vehicles.

Talking about next year, he said by the end of November the organisers must know if there will be money for next year's event, which is planned for 15 February. If the funding is not assured by the end of November, the committee will not be able to continue organising OCC 2020.

If people would like to see the event have international status and as a qualifier for next year's Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, sponsoring the air tickets of international athletes will have to be considered.