Hope Challenge gives a chance to all
The Virtual Comrades that took place all over South Africa allowed many to compete alongside the marathon runners who would never have had the opportunity.
For one Alberton resident, Sharon Dracatos, this was a dream come true.
Sharon, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was one of the competitors on June 13. According to her family, they had always enjoyed watching the Comrades.
With the opportunity to compete at a shorter distance, Sharon’s sister Melanie Rothman helped Sharon in her wheelchair to complete the 5km Comrades hope challenge.
“Melanie said to me ‘let’s do it’ and we did it,” said Sharon.
Sharon left the house with her Springbok shirt, national flag and own number and took on a 5km loop up and down Fore Street.
“It was very exciting,” said Sharon. “Everyone waved and hooted at us.”
The pair had a support team that joined them but the support from other people was also great. Together they completed the 5km in just under an hour.
“It feels fantastic,” said Sharon.
According to Melanie, the virtual hope challenge was a good idea.
“It’s a pity more people didn’t do it,” she said.
She said that if the hope challenge continues they will compete again.
