OCC encourages people with disabilities to come compete

JOHANNESBURG - The Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) prides itself in being a race exclusively for disabled people who make use of wheelchairs.

The race began in 2002 with 27 athletes participating in a half-marathon down the Outeniqua Mountain Pass into the city of George.

Organisers of the event invite disabled persons to participate when they host the 20th edition of the event on 24 February 2024.

Eyewitness News spoke to the director of the Disabled Road Race Foundation, Shaun Butler.

“As the only exclusive race for disabled individuals in South Africa, it creates a platform where wheelchair users who participate in the different categories in hand-cycling and road racing can compete amongst each other. With the inclusion of the 10km and 5km Fun Run, we aim to grow and expose disability sports to as many disabled individuals as possible,” said Butler.

The event sees disabled athletes from Namibia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Botswana come to compete in South Africa.

“This event has two main objectives namely to assist South Africa’s local and national athletes in showcasing their talents, and to compete against international athletes as well as creating an opportunity for ordinary persons with physical disabilities to build their self-esteem and restore their dignity,” Butler explained.

The OCC has created a great amount of exposure for disabled sports and the individuals participating in these sports over the years, and it has seen great names like Ernest van Dyk and Pieter du Preez lining up at the event.

“Over the last few years, we had Paralympic gold Medallists Pieter du Preez and Ernst van Dyk compete in the 42.2km which has opened the doors for other participants to rub shoulders with the elite,” said Butler.

He added that he one of the youngest participants at the event is 10 years old, while others include media personalities Martelize Brink of RSG and artist Matthys Roets.

For more on the race go to their page.