South African racers hog podium in this year’s ‘Chair Challenge’
Saturday’s 15th annual Outeniqua ‘Chair Challenge (OCC) – a race exclusively for athletes living with physical disabilities saw South African athletes dominating on the podium.
The all-SA winners in the 42km mens race were Steward McCreadie (hand cycle), Ernst van Dyk (racing chair), and Pieter du Preez, who took the quads title. Claiming victory in the women’s 42km race was South Africa’s Justine Asher (hand cycle), with Ayishetu Seidu from Ghana winning the racing chair category.
The streets of George were filled with helpers and supporters from early morning as the more than 1,500 wheelchair racers tackled a tough new course over the standard marathon and half marathon distances of 42.2km and 21.1km.
There was also a fun race of 5km for community members and supporters who wanted to push the athletes or walk with them.
Sponsored by George Airport, the race once again attracted competitors from all over South
Africa and as far afield as West Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. George Municipality has facilitated the event over the past 15 years.
George Airport manager Brenda Vorster believes the OCC is growing in stature and reputation among athletes living with physical disabilities, and it has become the airport’s flagship project.
“The course is a strong test of fitness, strength and mental preparation. The fact that there are so many athletes participating and such good crowds along the course is testament to the growing popularity of the race,” she says.
“It is very rewarding to see how the event has grown in leaps and bounds. The resilience and determination of the athletes, watching them improve their performance year after year and then move onto competing on the global stage shows us that our investment in this event has a demonstrable impact.”
The event would not be what it is today without the support of the community in and around George. Pride and excitement from supporters and volunteers at this year’s race was almost electric. Even the rainy weather could not dampen the spirit that OCC brings to the town of George.
OCC organiser and champion Ansie Swart believes that the race is now firmly in place as the premier event for athletes living with physical disabilities.
“There are road races for able-bodied athletes that have become iconic and always fire up the imagination. We feel that the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge is well on its way to earning such iconic status for athletes living with physical disabilities,” she says.
Swart hopes to continue developing the race so that it attracts not only more world class athletes, but also participants from communities all around the country.
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