Martin Ferreira trades waves for tarmac to fete Outeniqua Chair Challenge on 21 February

Over the years, entrants have included the crème de la crème of internationally lauded wheelchair racers, among them multi-title marathon winner Ernst van Dyk and Paralympic podium finisher Pieter du Preez.

GEORGE NEWS – Participants in this year’s Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC26) have been training and testing their racing wheels in the run-up to the 22nd chapter of this well-loved George event, set to take place on 21 February.

With Carpe Diem School serving as the race hub once again, the event features distances including a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), as well as 10km and 5km routes.

The 5km kaskar race provides a great opportunity for businesses to participate and show their support for the OCC.

Over the years, entrants have included the crème de la crème of internationally lauded wheelchair racers, among them multi-title marathon winner Ernst van Dyk and Paralympic podium finisher Pieter du Preez.

Other OCC stalwarts such as George local Shaun Butler – chairman of the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRRF) – have not only mastered the art of chair racing but have also put Mzansi on the global map through achievements in the sport of bodybuilding.

Equally multi-talented is Bloemfontein local Martin Ferreira, although he maintains that his OCC participation is more about a love for the event than chasing records. Perhaps it is his ocean-based background that makes him take a more relaxed approach.

“Before the accident that altered my mobility 25 years ago, while I was studying in PE, now Gqeberha, wave skiing was my first love. When my career took me away from the coast, I could no longer pursue my passion for water sports,” said Ferreira.

Fortunately, a serendipitous association with Durban-based Made For More – an organisation focused on including, equipping and empowering people with disabilities through community and sport – helped him reconnect with the ocean.

“Made For More takes people into the sea for rehabilitation therapy, so I became involved and was included in the 2022 world team invited to an international championship in California. The team comprised 14 athletes across various categories such as visually impaired, amputees, fully paralysed and assisted surfing.

“Our South African team finished in the top five out of 28 participating countries. Considering the high standard in that division, it was a performance that truly did the country proud.”

As an aside, Ferreira mentioned that he sustained an injury at the time that prevented him from participating in any sport for the following two years.

Having tackled his first OCC in 2019, he has since completed one 10km and three 21km races in his racing chair, powered by push rims rather than the more popular handcycling option. Competing as an E12 paraplegic, category 54, Ferreira said he takes part for training and enjoyment rather than as a competitive pursuit.

“The OCC is the only race I consider doing, as my career does not allow enough time to train seriously. I do short sessions of between 3km and 8km in preparation. More importantly, the OCC proves that you can do far more than you think you are capable of, making the mental aspect extremely significant.

“On a practical level, I have learned that the start is crucial – those first few metres are difficult to make up once everyone is already at speed.”

What is not fast-tracked is Ferreira’s stay in George, as he plans to spend at least one to two weeks in the Southern Cape capital to coincide with OCC26.

Working in construction and the mining industry, his professional commitments still leave time for hobbies such as photography, drone work and quad biking. Add to that a mission to manufacture affordable racing gloves through 3D printing and it is clear there is little idle time in Ferreira’s schedule.

Organisers thanked main sponsors 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.

The OCC is a significant celebration of differently abled achievement and overcoming challenge in the spirit of community and collaboration. It has been a favourite on the South African sporting calendar for many years, with participants now encouraged to enter online.

At this year’s IRONMAN in Mossel Bay, Paul Kaye commented: “Success is not in crossing the finish line, but in the journey to get to the starting line.” This sentiment rings especially true for OCC participants.

Email [email protected] to contribute funds, goods or services, or contact OCC race director Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 for more information.