George, Garden Route (January 2025) - When the first ‘Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge’ ran its
course down the scenic same-named pass into George, it was the start of a local institution that
gained momentum each time it was hosted in the Southern Cape capital.
The year was 2002 and 27 athletes braved the inaugural downhill half-marathon at break-neck
speed. Organisers had invited disabled persons from across the region to participate – a call that
was repeated annually and soon lured athletes from countries all over the continent.
The OCC was hosted for the 20th time in February 2024 and once again cyclists in the starting
line-up of pro races included not only stars of the SA Paralympic Team, but also racers from
Ghana, Botswana and other neighbouring countries.
But come 16 January 2025, media houses, journalists and organisations involved received the
devastating news that this year’s OCC, scheduled for the following Saturday, had been cancelled
due to unforeseen financial constraints.
In stepped the crew at George Herald and on Thursday 23 January, editor at large Ilse
Schoonraad splurged her now-famous ‘SOS – R300K for OCC’ exposé all over that Thursday’s
front page: news of the OCC’s near death due to lack of funds compelled an unnamed donor to
avail R300,000 for this year’s race to remain a reality.
Organised by the Disabled Road Race Foundation, OCC 2025 is scheduled for Saturday 15 March;
it’s the only race of its kind in the country, and serves as a major economic and tourism boost
for George. Most importantly, it is an occasion greatly anticipated by scores of members of SA’s
disabled community every year.
Says race director Alewijn Dippenaar: “Apart from the 5km fun event with lots of participants
young and old, there are professional races over 10km and 21.1km and a full 42.2km marathon.
We have a tradition of world-class athletes competing.
“Olympian stars like Ernst van Dyk and Pieter du Preez have always done us proud, competing in
the OCC while having won medals at Paralympics and other races around the world. So our
George event is truly the flagship race for para-cyclists in South Africa.”
Dippenaar thanks regular sponsors George Municipality, Lancewood and Safari for coming on
board yet again to ensure that OCC 2025 takes place. In addition, the Premier’s Office and
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport have both increased their sponsorship to cover some
of the event’s running costs, while Garden Route District Municipality will also provide funding.
The cherry on top, says Dippenaar, is that Garden Route Mall pledged its support: “They came
on board within hours after local media articles appeared, and pledged R250,000 towards our
cause. We thank all of these backers profusely, but need to make it clear that additional
contributions are still required.”
He explains that although it is now possible for the race to go ahead, funds are still needed for
especially transport costs. “We plead with anybody who can help athletes to get to George,
which means that more athletes will then be able to participate.”
The three specific facets that will benefit from added contributions are as follows:
* Increased prize money. Participants from as far afield as Ghana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and
Botswana have already confirmed their participation, so a bigger prize purse will go a long way
to buffer their expenditure.
* Transport costs to George. “Even a small amount will help athletes travelling from far corners
of South Africa and from abroad,” says Dippenaar.
* Accommodation subsidies. “In cases where we can support out-of-town athletes with their
stay-overs, it will make a huge difference to each one of them.”
Email dyndev@mweb.co.za or call Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 if you would like to
contribute, or for additional information on OCC 2025. There are ample opportunities for your
business to gain exposure on race day. See you on Saturday 15 March at the Carpe Diem School
grounds from early morning onwards!
