Excitement builds ahead of House Otto Wheelchair Dash
Gauteng residents are urged to show their support for the physically disabled by throwing their collective weight behind the House Otto Wheelchair Dash, on March 5.
This event will take place in the Checkers Hyper (Rondebult Road) parking lot.
The second edition of this unique event forms part of a family day, providing fun and entertainment for people of all ages.
With 20 teams of four men and/or women participating in each race, the first four chairs in each heat will compete in a final dash to determine the winner of the House Otto Wheelchair Dash floating trophy.
“We are appealing for support for a truly worthy cause that needs funding urgently,” said event coordinator Don Clarke.
“By showing our support collectively we can make a difference, and there is plenty enjoyment to be had by everyone involved in the process.”
The entry fee is R1 000 per four-member team, with proceeds going to House Otto.
Each team will need to provide their own wheelchair, which entrants have the option to donate after the race, and all team members must propel themselves 100m to complete the 400m course.
As a reward for their efforts, every team member will receive a specially designed wheelchair medal.
Adding excitement to the unique race, organisers have urged entrants to “pimp” their rides by implementing creative ideas.
The best chair, as voted for by supporters, will receive a special prize.
On the sidelines of the race, food and refreshments will be on sale at stalls, while a flea market will also be set up.
Registration on the day of the race opens at 9am, one hour before the start of the event.
House Otto, an initiative of the QuadPara Association, accommodates five paraplegic and quadriplegic residents in Kempton Park, and employs seven permanent staff.
It has expanded in recent years to involve various other community projects, including self-help centres in Soweto, Vanderbijlpark and Springs.
Entries close on February 29.
Clarke is still looking for sponsors, large corporate and local companies to get behind the event.
For more information on the dash, contact event coordinator Clarke on 082 389 3212.
