The Dis-Chem Ride for Sight will continue its support for para-cyclists by supporting tandem biking for visually-impaired cyclists (VIPs) in the iconic race’s 36th edition at the Boksburg Stadium on February 16.
Volunteers organize the race, which began in Benoni in 1989, under the leadership of Retina SA to raise money to fund projects finding treatment for retinal blindness. The VIPs and physically disabled individuals participated in the event for the first time last year to encourage inclusivity. Thanks to Edenvale para-athlete Lindsay Engelbrecht again recruiting pilots for the VIPs, it continues this year.
Engelbrecht was instrumental at last year’s race after she recruited 20 sighted volunteers who piloted tandems with the VIPS at the back. “She decided the event shouldn’t only raise money for vision loss but also showcase the lives of those living with blindness and partial sight,” said race organizer and Retina SA head of science Claudette Medefindt after last year’s race.
The event attracted 30 VIPs, who competed in the 62km race alongside sighted cyclists, with some having only ridden a bike for the first time four weeks before the race. The race features the 116km super classic distance presented by Ensure Gold and the 62km DS24 challenge, catering to a wide range of cyclists, including dedicated para-sport categories.
Pre-entries close on February 4. Those who have pre-entered qualify for a goody bag, a R50 voucher, and wash and lube from the Cycle Lab. This year, they aim to attract around 4,000 cyclists after a significant increase last year.
