The 18^th OCC, hosted by the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRRF), is back in its original slot and will take place on 15 February.

Many of the race favourites who missed the 2019 race due to prior commitments, will once again be competing, giving locals the opportunity to see some of Africa’s finest para- & quad athletes in action right here in George.

A venue and route change will see the race begin and end at Carpe Diem School while the new route will take competitors from Carpe Diem to York Street, up to the circle, into Courtnay Street, on to the Garden Route Mall and back again.

Once again, the success of the event is made possible by the assistance of the sponsors, provincial and local government.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the George Municipality and Lancewood continue their long-standing support of the OCC.

New sponsors to come on board this year include the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, who will supply the medals and bottled water; and Cape Town Magazine.com who will provide R50 00 in cash and a R50 000 media contract after the OCC won the 2019 Western Cape Premier’s Office Pitching Competition for event funding. 

Staging the race would not be possible without the significant contribution of many individuals and organisations.

A total of 250 officials, marshals, traffic officers, and route layout crew and registration staff; 400 volunteers who give of their time to push chairs and assist with other tasks; the OCC organising committee consisting of over 50 members under the leadership of event director, Alewijn Dippenaar; and more than 15 service providers who supply portable toilets, tents, food, medals, sound, stage and race timekeeping all make putting on the event possible.

In addition, various community organisations make invaluable contribution including the Lions, Rotary, QuadPara Association of the Western Cape (QAWC), Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, Afrique Rehabilitation & Research Consultants NPC, South African National AIDS Council Trust, APD, the South African Society of Physiotherapy, and the George Business Chamber.

Entries are available on the OCC Website and registrations will be open on 14 February from 8 am to 6 pm at the school where after the Opening Ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place.

The 42.2 km race will start at 7 am and the 21.1 km at 7.10 am.  Athletes competing in the 42.2 km race will complete the course twice, and the 21.1 competitors once.

The 10 km at will start at 8 am and the 5 km fun event at 10.30 am.  Athletes competing in the 10 km race will turn at the circle, completing the course twice while the 5 km fun event participants will complete the course once.

The awards ceremony, which is also open to the public, follows at 12.30 pm.

The organisers invite you to line the streets, cheer on the athletes and attend the race functions on Friday evening and Saturday midday.  See you there!

The Outeniqua Chair Challenge attracts athletes from all nine provinces as well as from the rest of Africa and abroad.  Thousands of visitors descend on the Garden Route, not only having a significant economic impact (estimated to be in the region of R3 million) but also raising awareness of the needs of disabled persons.  As a result, the Garden Route has become a premier destination for the disabled. There is a need to  assists athletes with costs related to accommodation and transport and acquiring chairs for participants competing in a wide range of racing chairs and hand cycles. 

In conclusion Dippenaar said, “The event is about Ubuntu – making a difference in the lives of others.  Sponsors invest in people’s lives (persons with disabilities) and together we strive to restore the dignity of those wheelchair-bound person’s lives”.

For more information contact Alewijn Dippenaar, 082 457 5675, dyndev@mweb.co.za

Press release on behalf of the Road Race Foundation:
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mimi finestone |  mimi@gojipr.net  |  +27 84 583 3144