The Corner Flag: Never lose courage

Retina SA hosted another iconic, awe-inspiring and spectacular Dis-Chem Ride for Sight on Sunday (February 16) at Boksburg Stadium.

It was truly inspiring watching the riders of all fitness levels, as well as physically-disabled and visually-impaired, shoot out of the starting block ready to tackle the 116km and 62km distances.

The chains clicked and rattled and off they went. It was mind-blowing.

I remained where I was and, as someone who hates anything on two wheels, I was left questioning myself; what would be so difficult getting on a bike next year to support this worthy cause?

The event raises funds for Retina SA to continue to fund projects finding treatment for retinal blindness and has so far raised over R15m.

Beyond the medals, expensive bikes and all the pomp and ceremony of the event, there was something on Sunday which became more compelling.

It’s not the stories of scribes like myself or the photographers on duty who combine to chronicle the narratives of the event, leaving an indelible mark and lasting impression of one of the top cycling events on the calendar.

It’s the tales of sacrifice, determination, courage and frailty, which, since last year, have become the universal language of the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight, led by Linsay Engelbrecht.

Around 48 para-cyclists participated in this year’s event. It was hard to miss their emotions at the start and elation after crossing the finish line, achieving what most deemed impossible.

They proved that there’s no “dis” in their ability.

I stood by and watched a colleague interview Tebogo Poopedi, who lost his sight as a 14-year old. With the help of his pilot, renowned journalist Njanji Chauke, Poopedi (34) achieved what he thought was impossible.

To him it was about more than just a cause. It was about proving to himself and others in a similar situation that if you put your mind to it, it’s possible.

While the elite riders grab all the headlines for their toil on the road, Poopedi’s story is an instance of an individual who never thought they would ride a bicycle and participate in a competitive race in their life, proving capable of creating extraordinary and everlasting memories.

Also Read: The Corner Flag: Bowlers, you humble me – thank you

I listened when he related his story, with tears of joy streaming down his face while my colleague found it extremely hard to suppress her own emotions.

It’s a story of courage.

It’s a story of knowing that you start something already in a disadvantaged position, but you wear a smile and see it through until the end.

Harper Lee put it nicely in her iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, when she said, real courage is when you know you are licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through to the end no matter what.

Poopedi and many others knew their limitations before the race started but took part anyway. They finished and crossing that line was victorious.

There’s a lesson in there for all of us.

Also Read: The Corner Flag: Coaches deserve more respect