GEORGE NEWS -  If there is one event that is nearly as highly anticipated by hundreds of participants in the annual Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC), it’s the post-event breakfast attended by representatives of those who contributed to keep the wheels rolling.

As per the norm, this joyous occasion was hosted by The Apprentice, where a culinary crew sated their guests on every level when they converged at the much-lauded eatery-cum-chef school on 21 April. 

In attendance were 65 representatives of companies and organisations that formed part of this year’s OCC partnership team. These can loosely be grouped into four categories: the corporate sector, logistical support partners, a small army of volunteers, and those on duty at water points along the various routes.

Says event organiser, Alewijn Dippenaar: “We handed over 27 awards to these deserving partners on Tuesday morning - too many to mention each by name. On a practical level, we have financial support partners, and those who back us with the vast load of logistics required. 

For example, partners like Safari helped with placement of 2 500 delineators, while we couldn’t tackle transport requirements without assistance from the Biddulph’s team. Representatives from all these companies joined us to celebrate the 22nd OCC that took place on 21 February 2026.”

Dippenaar was excited to announce that a date for the next OCC had already been set for 27 February 2027. 

“When hosting the 23rd OCC next year, it will again give us a chance to highlight the event’s importance. Firstly, we create awareness for differently-abled people - for others to understand the challenges and realities faced by those in wheelchairs, especially when it comes to sports events.”

As important is the fact that each annual OCC creates opportunities for people to participate in professional wheelchair races with different categories and routes. There are very few such events in Africa, so this makes the George-based race a unique opportunity for athletes to practise their sport in wheelchairs or a variety of racing chairs.

“Thirdly, the OCC gives many people the chance to get involved as volunteers - marshals, those manning water points and the colourful crowds cheering next to the road. This creates a vibrant community spirit, bringing together, including everything from corporate sectors to volunteer crews. Whether you’re waving a flag or handing out medals and lunch, it creates a community unlike any other sporting event. 

“This community is mobilised with members from all walks of life, to promote inclusion and visibility for people with disabilities. And there is but once a year they can all participate in this singular occasion.”

Dippenaar says the general feeling among all partners at the thank-you breakfast was that, although they contribute to participants and the event in general, what rates highest for them is that it’s an honour to be involved. 

“The fact that they can make a difference is good for their organisations, making them feel particularly proud.”

During the handing out of 27 awards, each organisation had about a minute to share their impressions of the event and the involvement of the organisation they represented. 

“It was unanimous among those on stage that the OCC must continue for many years to come. It was reiterated by many speakers that this ground breaking event must include all current role-players as well as new partners coming on board to support and celebrate the OCC as one of most exceptional events in SA. Changing for the better the lives of so many people, they don’t consider cost as much as the priceless impact experienced by each participant - be they rolling along the 5km fun event or serious athletes wanting to better their records from years before and those to come.”

After all was said and done, breakfast was relished while everyone used this special get-together to reminisce about OCC ’26 and started planning to ensure the event’s bright future. 

Diarise the next OCC on 27 February 2027 and consider how you can help sustain the unique community it creates.

Alewijn Dippenaar, Izelke Benecke, Shaun Butler and Jean Neethling (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport).

Alewijn Dippenaar, Garden Route Mall Manager Rion Olivier, Shaun Butler and Tumi Ngwaze (Garden Route Mall).‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’