THE sixth annual SBS Wheelchair Challenge will take place on June 25 at the SBS Tanks manufacturing facility in Maxmead, Pinetown, bringing together teams from across Durban for a fun-filled day of wheelchair basketball, awareness challenges and fundraising.

What started in 2021 as a simple challenge to experience a day in a wheelchair has grown into a major community initiative that has already raised over R1m for mobility-related causes and donated more than 50 wheelchairs to people in need across KZN.

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The three goals for this year are to raise awareness around the daily realities faced by people living with mobility impairments; raise R500 000 to support local NPOs assisting the physically disabled community; help develop a more affordable beach-access wheelchair so that more people can enjoy Durban’s beaches.

SBS Tanks CEO Delayne Gray said currently, beach-going wheelchairs can cost in excess of R100 000 each, placing them out of reach for many organisations and families.

“Funds raised through the SBS Wheelchair Challenge will contribute towards developing a more affordable and practical solution.”

He said there are three ways the public and businesses can get involved.

“First is the ‘Take a Seat’ challenge which allows participants to rent a wheelchair for a few hours or a full day, to experience some of the practical challenges wheelchair users face daily. Once returned, those wheelchairs are then donated to people in need.

“Businesses and social teams can also enter the popular wheelchair basketball tournament. Teams will enjoy a light-hearted but meaningful day of competition and even have the chance to play against the eThekwini Spears, one of KZN’s official wheelchair basketball teams.”

For those unable to participate physically, Gray said donations can also be made towards the initiative through Made for More NPC, with all donations qualifying for Section 18A tax certificates.

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Gray believes the event continues to grow because it combines purpose with participation.

“The challenge is fun, energetic and engaging, but at its heart it helps people better understand accessibility and mobility challenges while making a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.

Community members, businesses and schools are encouraged to support the initiative and be part of a day that combines awareness, teamwork and impact.

To register, donate or learn more, visit www.sbstanks.com and navigate to the Events and Expos section, or follow SBS Tanks on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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