George, Garden Route (February 2026) - The Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC), staged for the 22nd time on Saturday 21 February, will once again celebrate differently-abled accomplishments and overcoming challenges in the spirit of community and collaboration.
An annual highlight for the town of George and Southern Cape region, the event has been a favourite on the South African sporting calendar and participants are now called upon to enter online at www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za. But another essential factor in the run-up to the fun is the role of volunteers.
Priceless contributions will be made by the Rotary Club of George, Firstcare Wildfire Support, the South African Society of Physiotherapy, CE Mobility and Eden Sport Council. Logistical support is provided by several municipal departments and OCC host venue Carpe Diem School,but extra hands are now required to guarantee seamless running of the event.
Says race director Alewijn Dippenaar: “On Friday 20 February, we need people to help getting the race hub ready for action. We will be putting up gazebos, erecting teardrop banners, applying sponsors’ branding and setting up tables – basically preparing the full venue layout.”
Dippenaar reminds that registration for the race starts from 11am on the Friday, and so help is needed with processing athletes in all categories. This entails the type of racing chair used and variations in athletes’ abilities, while also noting whether they will tackle the full marathon (42.2km), half-marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km routes.
“On Saturday, we will need as many wheelchair-pushers as possible after assisting athletes into their chairs and into their lanes, as well as volunteers to help us handing out lunch to all participants. And from 2pm onwards, we will appreciate any extra hands to pack gear used at the venue back into its boxes.
“People are also needed to help hand out refreshments at water points along the way and, last but far from least, we need marshals to keep an eye on athletes’ progress and safety on the various routes,” says Dippenaar, adding that entrants from Ghana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana plan to participate again.
If you would like to rub shoulders with these stars of the OCC track while making a significant impact on the lives of so many other chair-bound participants through your volunteering efforts, please get in touch with Charleen Theron on 084 314 4323 or outeniquachair@gmail.com.
Organisers thank loyal OCC partners Garden Route Mall, George Municipality, and AlgoaFM for their continued support, as well as the Western Cape Government, Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Garden Route District Municipality, George Herald, and iX.
Download entry forms at www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za and if your business would like to contribute in terms of funds, goods or services, email dyndev@mweb.co.za or call Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 for additional information.
