GALLERY: Quads for Quads revs into Newcastle

QASA is an organisation which offers skill development programmes, employment projects and the distribution of assertive devices and mobility aids, allowing quadriplegics and paraplegics to integrate into mainstream society with equal rights and equal opportunities.

October 13, 2017

Zianne Leibrandt 2 minutes read

Around 300 petrolheads made their way to Newcastle on Friday, October 6 as part of the 14 annual Quads for Quads Charity Ride.

Young and old bikers on quad bikes, off road dirt bikes and home-made buggies revved their engines through the streets of Newcastle as they headed for their evening rest stop at Majuba Lodge.

Event organiser and founder or Quads for Quads, Glen Foley said he started the project 14 years ago with close friend and colleague, Corinne Andrews, and chose QASA (QuadPara Association of South Africa) as the beneficiary of the fundraising ride.

The family-fun oriented ride began in Balito on Thursday, October 5 and ended at Carnival City, Johannesburg on Sunday, October 8.

“We do this every year, and every person here enjoys it to the fullest. We know we’re doing it for a great cause and that makes the journey even more rewarding.”

Each rider covered approximately 250km in eight hours each day, as they had to endure difficult weather conditions during their journey.

“The race represents the spirit of QASA and quadriplegics everywhere, by their firm belief that having a physical disability does not affect their ability to endure and to be the best they can be.”

QASA is an organisation which offers skill development programmes, employment projects and the distribution of assertive devices and mobility aids, allowing quadriplegics and paraplegics to integrate into mainstream society with equal rights and equal opportunities.

Since inception, the charity ride raised over R7 million towards QASA.

Foley thanked Denzil Hopkins of Majuba Lodge for his involvement each year in providing the project with both sleeping facilities, as well as support and roadside assistance.

“Denzil helps us with more than just a venue in Newcastle. He assists with off-road routes as well as fundraisers during our stay here. Without him, our trip through Newcastle would not be possible.”

During their stay in town, the organisation hosted a charity auction evening, auctioning off items such as toolboxes and other roadside accessories.

“The evening was a great success and we managed to raise around R45 000.”

Foley said he looked forward to the challenge of the next Quads for Quads Charity Ride.