On a wheelchair challenge roll

The Umzinyathi District Disability Team joined hundreds of participants who took part in the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge hosted by the City of George. These games were endorsed by the South African Sport Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD), in collaboration with the South African Sport Confederation (SASCOC) and Disability Sport South Africa (DSSA) on February 18.

The Umzinyathi team was represented by athletes from all local municipalities in the district, Endumeni, Umsinga, Umvoti and Nquthu. The local team was chosen through the District selection held at the Fred Kallies Stadium in September 2016.

The Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge Event Director, Ansie Swart, describes the wheelchair challenge as a race which has been running for 14 years and that encourages people living with disabilities to participate in the race.
“The OCC is still the only exclusive wheelchair challenge for sportsmen and women in South Africa and Africa. It was a great honor for the people of George to have athletes from other regions taking part in the event,” Mrs Swart explained.

Hlengiwe Msane, Chair for DSSA in the Umzinyathi District, was among the participants that represented the Umzinyathi team. She expressed that participating in the annual OCC race is not only about racing for the number one title but it is about promoting healthy livelihoods. All race attendees received a medal for participation.