Engaging with members at the OCC

The annual Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) returned to George on Saturday, 15 October 2022, after nearly a three-year absence caused by the national lockdown. The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) took this opportunity to connect with existing and potential members with the assistance of its regional association, the QuadPara Association of the Western Cape (QAWC).

In attendance were also several wheelchair users who received funding from QASA in order to participate in the event. Through the Sports Fund, we aim to make sporting activities accessible to our members. Wheelchair sports play an important part in holistic development as a vital way of keeping fit and healthy. QASA recognises the value of sport as a hobby and wants to encourage participation. 

Events like the OCC race, also offers members valuable socialising opportunities. Building community and finding peer support are just as important as physical exercise, particularly for individuals whose disability is recently sustained. They might feel alone or isolated. These events can be an opportunity for them to connect with others facing similar challenges.  

Also in attendance was several QASA board members, including Vusi Ndimeni, Ari Seirlis, Richard Barron and Anthony Ghillino. Reporting back on the event, Anthony states: “On race day, we woke up to a very wet George, with the heavy rain that had fallen through most of the night continuing into the morning.” Despite the weather, the event went ahead.

“As the venue filled up and wheelchair users arrived, we received warm greetings from a number of members, who despite the wintry weather, were determined to make the most of the occasion,” he adds. 

The team manning the QASA booth was diverse, allowing members to communicate with the team in a language with which they are comfortable. 

“While the weather played a massive role, the event was still relatively well attended and, judging by reports, enjoyed by the majority. The event is an excellent networking opportunity for wheelchair users and has the potential to return to its glory days when it attracted close to 1 000 participants. For me, the overriding takeaway from the event was the need and desire for so many of the wheelchair users present to feel and be part of a collective; to have a day where they are able to get out, socialise, have fun and, perhaps most importantly, celebrate their mobility,” Anthony concludes. 

According to the OCC organisers, the event will return to its original time slot with plans to have it in February of 2023. Keep an eye on the QASA and Rolling Inspiration social media pages for more information.