All ages and abilities welcome at Wheelie Warriors Race Day
The Rotary clubs across the East Rand invite the public to the first Wheelie Warriors Race Day at the Formula K Racetrack in Benoni on August 2.
Organised by the Rotary clubs, this event aims to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by differently-abled individuals while also generating funds to provide mobility equipment for those in need.
Louise Schaap from the Springs Gold Rotary Club shared that the event will feature a variety of relay and obstacle races for participants of all ages and abilities.
Activities will include an U6 scooter dash, 750m races and 4x100m relays. She said that teams from schools, clubs, businesses, families and more are encouraged to sign up and take part in the fun.
'Teams of four compete in a push-and-switch format. Each team must bring a wheelchair, though a few will be available to rent on the day.
'Whether it's an old one from home, a discounted chair from Cheapest Wheelchairs, or a custom-built version, the only requirement is that be powered by humans,' said Schaap.
Schaap added that innovation and creativity are encouraged, with prizes for speed, originality and design. She said that the idea is to make it a fun, inclusive day while doing something that truly makes a difference.
'There's something for everyone, whether you're a school, a company, a club or just a group of friends wanting to challenge each other.'
There will be a children's play, a market, food stalls and a bar. Schaap said there will be categories for families, differently abled individuals, solo participants, and corporate groups.
Online entries will open soon. For more information, contact Louise Schaap on 082 494 7048 or [email protected]
ALSO CHECK: Home Affairs supports learners with longer office hours
ALSO CHECK: Electricity tariffs unpacked: What Brakpan homeowners need to know
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Wheelie Warriors race rolls out hope and wheelchairs in Benoni
Springs Gold Rotary's first-ever Wheelie Warriors race sped into success at Formula K on August 2, raising awareness for people with mobility challenges and collecting wheelchairs for those in need. Despite the early morning chill, the event drew enthusiastic participation from across the East Rand. Several organisations took to the track, including local Rotary Clubs from Benoni, Benoni Van Ryn, Germiston, and the East Rand E-Club, alongside the Just Numbers motorbike club, CMS Security, and members from IR's caregivers, medical, and renovation groups. The day featured eight races, with competitors navigating the course in wheelchairs donated for the event. Bikers Hart Radio broadcast live from the track, adding energy to the atmosphere. Cheapest Wheelchairs donated four chairs used during the races, while another 18 were contributed prior to the event. Angelique Saayman of the Just Numbers motorbike club said supporting local fundraisers is a core part of their values. 'We always enjoy these kinds of events,' she said. 'It's a time to bond as a club and support the community. Winning races is great, but the real reward is showing up for a cause.' Andrew Irvine, president of Springs Gold Rotary, said the event was a key step in their long-term goal of serving people with mobility needs. 'Our purpose with the Wheelie Warriors race is to bring local businesses and the community together for a cause. There are people in our communities who need wheelchairs but don't have the resources to get them,' said Irvine. ALSO READ: Springs beauty Bejandri Lourens to represent SA at Miss Asia Pacific He added that with the first event now behind them, the club hopes to grow the initiative into an annual family day. 'We want this to be more than just a fundraiser,' he said. 'It's a platform for businesses to get involved, support people in need, and promote their own services at the same time.' Irvine confirmed that the donated wheelchairs will be distributed to recipients in Springs and Kwa-Thema. Event organiser Louise Schaap expressed her gratitude to all involved. 'To the spectators who braved the cold, the Wheelie Warriors, and the incredible team behind the scenes – you rock!'
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Rotary Wheelie Warriors take the lead in driving disability awareness
With wheels spinning and spirits soaring, the Wheelie Warriors Race day was more than just a test of speed and stamina – it was a powerful statement about resilience, inclusion and the everyday challenges faced Held at the Formula-K Raceway on August 2. The event celebrated solidarity and resilience, highlighting participants' determination and sparking conversations about accessibility and the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. 'We held the event to also raise funds to enable us to supply mobility equipment to people in our community who can't afford it, as well as having fun and fellowship,' said organiser Louise Schaap. He added they received 18 wheelchairs before the event, which will go to those in need in the coming weeks. ALSO READ: Wheelchair tennis development on the rise Hosted in collaboration with the Rotary clubs of Benoni Aurora, Benoni Van Ryn, the E-Club of East Rand, Germiston and Springs Gold, along with Biker Hart Radio, Cheapest Wheelies and Formula-K, the event drew a large crowd of locals eager to make a difference. Nine teams participated in the race, with the Just Numbers Motorcycle Club, the IR Caregivers, the IR Group and IR Medical keeping the spectators, who braved the early morning chill, entertained. The participants entered a team of four. One person pushed the other, and at the changeover point, they swapped places. Then, their teammates repeated the procedure at the start. Others who participated are the IR Renovations, the CMS Racers, The A-Team, the Van Ryn Stalwarts and the Springs Gold Go-Getters. 'I thank everyone for coming to our race day on such a cold and miserable Saturday. To all the spectators who braved the cold, Wheelie Warriors and the people behind the scenes, you rock,' added Schaap. ALSO READ: Self-driving taxi for wheelchair users wins design award
The Citizen
27-07-2025
- The Citizen
Rotary clubs gear up for wheelchair relay fundraiser
Five local Rotary Clubs are strapping on their helmets, revving their engines, and putting pedal to the metal in a fun-filled effort to support the differently abled community with wheelchairs. The Rotary Clubs of Benoni Aurora, Benoni van Rhyn, East Rand e-Club, Germiston, and Springs Gold are teaming up with Formula K to host Wheelie Warriors Race Day on August 2. Get ready to challenge your colleagues, rivals, or family in the exciting 4x100m wheelchair relay. Participants are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs, decorate them creatively, and race for a cause. Custom-made chairs are also welcome. Adding to the fun, there will be a 4x50m obstacle relay, where racers will have to self-propel through cones and various hurdles. Worried the little ones will miss out? Bring along plastic scooters and let the kids show off their speed and skills in a special scooter race designed just for them. Also Read: Little Eden Society's annual wheelchair campaign kicks off at East Rand Mall Entry fees are minimal and vary by race category. Exciting prizes will be awarded for the fastest times, best-decorated wheelchairs, and the most original and functional home-made chairs. It's shaping up to be a memorable day under the winter sun, all in the name of community, inclusivity, and fun. For more information or to enter, contact Louise Schaap on 082 494 7048 or email [email protected] Follow Wheelie Warriors on Facebook for updates, challenges, and sponsor news. To make a donation: Rotary Club of Springs Nedbank Springs Mall Account Number: 1156344395 Reference: Wheelie Warriors Also Read: Wheelchair tennis development on the rise
