OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Vusi Marenene (44), a well-known resident and former police officer from Oudtshoorn, is no stranger to his specially adapted racing wheelchair, which he uses daily for training and competition, including last weekend's Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) held in George.
The event was held on Saturday 21 February for the 22nd staging of the OCC a landmark event on South Africa's disability sport calendar.
Marenene competed in the 42.2km senior quadriplegic division, finishing sixth in a time of 2:01:06. It was his first time competing in this division, having participated in the 5km fun run last year.
According to Marenene, he trained three to four times per week in preparation for the OCC.
"Attie Conradie is my training partner and also a quadriplegic. With his help and support, I remain positive and naturally stay in great shape," he said.
The race presented significant challenges, but he persevered and expressed great satisfaction with his sixth-place finish. Known for his discipline, determination, and zest for life, sport runs deep in his veins. He has been training for more than a year in pursuit of his dream to compete at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
"Cycling has always been an integral part of my life and remains an unwavering passion despite the challenges I face," he added.
An impressive 580 participants gathered for the race.
Athletes travelled in from across the country, joined by competitors from Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana and Zimbabwe. From elite hand cyclists and racing chair athletes to social entrants in the popular 5km kaskar and open category, the field reflected both high performance and heartfelt participation.
In total, 60 categories exist for athletes with disabilities, of which the organisers accommodated 16. Distances included 42km, 21km and 10km races, alongside the 5km route that welcomed riders from preteen to senior years. Among them was the 102-year-old 'Ouma' Sophie de Koker from Worcester, the oldest participant in the history of the race.
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