Update
GEORGE NEWS - The 2019 Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) has been cancelled. This was confirmed a few minutes ago to the George Herald by Trevor Botha, George municipal manager. The event was suppose to take place on 12 May after the George Municipality announced earlier this year that it has been moved from its usual spot in February.
Traditionally the OCC takes place in the second weekend of February, and following the date change, many people feared that this year’s event would eventually be cancelled.
The municipality also announced in January that, for the first time, the event would be organised without the assistance of the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRRF). The foundation has been involved in the event since its inception in 2002.
The late Esther Watson pioneered the OCC and took the event from humble beginnings to an internationally recognised race for disabled wheelchair sportsmen and women. In 2018 it took place for the 16th time and more than 1 000 athletes competed, including participants from abroad.
Botha told the George Herald the decision to cancel this year’s event, was not taken lightly. "It is a pity it had to be cancelled. We are planning to host it again next year."
Botha would not divulge the reason or reasons for the cancellation saying a full statement will be released later this week.
For the past few years ACSA George has been the main sponsor of the event.
Read previous articles:
- Nuwe vrae oor die aanbied van die OCC
- OCC needs volunteers
- 2019 OCC date announced
- Athletes want a date for OCC
- OCC date announced this week
- May day for OCC
- OCC 2019 going ahead
- Gaan die OCC weer plaasvind in Februarie?
- Aankondiging oor OCC dalk volgende week
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