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GEORGE NEWS - An impressive 580 participants gathered at the Carpe Diem School race hub on Saturday 21 February for the 22nd staging of the Outeniqua Chair Challenge, a landmark event on South Africa's disability sport calendar.

Athletes travelled in from across the country, joined by competitors from Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana and Zimbabwe. 

From elite hand cyclists and racing chair athletes to social entrants in the popular 5km kaskar and open category, the field reflected both high performance and heartfelt participation.

In total, 60 categories exist for athletes with disabilities, of which the organisers accommodated 16. Distances included 42km, 21km and 10km races, alongside the 5km route that welcomed riders from preteen to senior years. Among them was the 102-year-old 'Ouma' Sophie Booysen from Worcester, a member of the Tiger Lillies and Dreamcatchers Sport and Support Group, and the oldest participant in the history of the race.

'Ouma' Sophie Booysen (102) from Worcester is the oldest participant in the history of the race. Photo: Deidre Cloete

This year introduced a new 10km circuit route incorporating York Street, creating a more spectator-friendly experience and allowing businesses to engage directly with the action. While some motorists were delayed, many described the day as heart-warming and even life-changing. One social media user reflected, "I didn't sit in traffic today; I had a lesson," capturing the broader impact of the event. 

Race director Alewijn Dippenaar credited the success to the dedicated volunteers, long-standing sponsors and institutional partners, including the provincial government and George Municipality. He said the support from businesses has ensured the sustainability of the event, as the entry fees alone cannot cover the substantial costs. Innovative partnerships this year included CE Mobility, which made two wheelchairs valued at R25 000 each available in a competition.

Jean Neethling of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and race director Alewijn Dippernaar. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

Beyond logistics and results, the OCC remains a testament to resilience. The competitors face significant transport and accommodation challenges, particularly in securing accessible facilities. Yet they continue to arrive year after year.

"Victory is not the ultimate goal. It's not about crossing the finish line or winning the race. The real gift lies in reaching the starting line," Dippenaar said.

Stuart McCreadie, the 42km hand cycle race winner from Hout Bay. Photo: Herman Pieters Photography

OCC category winners ('HC' - hand cycle, 'RC' - racing chair, 'BC' - basket chair):

• 42km male: Stuart McCreadie (HC 1:10:00.387); Munyaradzi Katiyo (RC 2:00:41.855)

• 42km female: Justine Asher (HC 1:56:08.491); Stellah Jongwe (RC 2:25:19.358)

• 21km male: Previous Wiri (HC 52:44.998); Nico Khayuxab (RC 1:07:45.677); Lucky Bhukwane (BC 1:43:17.027)

• 21km female: Larisca Steyn (RC 1:11:04.525)

• 10km male: Ewald Verster (HC 40:01.278); Carlo Makhari (BC 53:21.264)

• 10km female: Zukile Nkumeni (RC 1:13:31.710); Ashley-Ann Kortjie (BC 1:33:18.349)

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