The annual Sabat Powered Wheelchair Race returned to the Zwartkops Raceway in August to crown the fastest motorised wheelchair user. MARISKA MORRIS reports
On Sunday, August 4, several power wheelchair users gathered on the go-kart track at the Zwartkops Raceway in Centurion to determine who is the fastest motorised wheelchair user for 2019. The annual event forms part of a host of activities at the Cars in the Park festival and honours the long-standing relationship of 16 years between Sabat Batteries and QASA.
Sabat Batteries supports the quadriplegic members of QASA by donating a set of batteries every two years for each member, which enables them to remain mobile.
Former QASA CEO Ari Seirlis says: “QASA is very grateful for this long-standing partnership whereby every quadriplegic who is a member of QASA and uses a power wheelchair can get a set of batteries every two years.”
This year, Auto X, Sabat Batteries and QASA gave 22 quadriplegics the opportunity to show what their powered wheelchairs are made of during a one-lap race around the track. A small crowd gathered at the raceway to support the competitors.
After a tightly contested race, Shaun Arde took top honours as the fastest man, whereas Soneke de Wit won the title of fastest woman in a powered wheelchair. Both received a trophy to commemorate the day. Arde was also the 2018 winner of the men’s division.
While the race itself took only a few minutes, the participants enjoyed a full day of music and good food at the Sabat Batteries stand. Be sure not to miss the next race!
