With great excitement, the Sabat Power Wheelchair Race was welcomed back in July 2022 with several motorised wheelchair users battling it out to be crowned the fastest quad
The much-loved Sabat Power Wheelchair Race returned to the Zwartkops Raceway in July after lockdown regulations hindered it for the past few years. Hosted by Sabat Batteries during the Cars in the Park event, the race sees power wheelchair users battle it out on a karting track to be crowned the fastest quadriplegic.
While the race is the main highlight of the event, the day is also aimed at celebrating the relationship between Sabat Batteries and QASA, which has been going strong for over 31 years.
Sabat Batteries supports QASA and its members by donating batteries for motorised wheelchairs. This empowers members to be more mobile and independent.
One such beneficiary, Thulasizwe Dlomo, notes: “This has changed my life a lot. Normally, I would ask someone for assistance to go to the toilet or to the shop. Now, I’m able to go wherever I want to. I don’t have to ask someone to push me.”
Commenting on the long-standing relationship, Joseph Machweu, chairperson for the QuadPara Association of Gauteng South (QAGS), a regional association of QASA, says: “We appreciate Sabat Battereies because they have helped many of our members, especially those from the rural areas who use motorised wheelchairs.
“When you have a motorised wheelchair with a functional battery, your life becomes easier. Thank you, Sabat Battereis. You have been a real hero. I really appreciate the thought of you caring for those in need. People like myself. Without the battery, I can’t move around. Thank you a million times,” he says. Joseph was in attendance with several other QASA members based in Gauteng.
On this sunny weekend, decked out in bright red caps, 16 motorised wheelchair users set off to the cheers of an excited crowd to see who could reach the chequered flag first. There could only be one winner…
Sonika de Wit took home the trophy with second and third place winners also being awarded a small trophy to commemorate the race.
QASA notes: “We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Sabat Batteries for hosting this wonderful event that always brings joy, but also for its commitment to the organisation and improving the lives of our members.
“With Sabat Batteries, all our motorised wheelchair users can feel like winners, independent and fast moving. QASA is eternally grateful for such support. We look forward to many more years of partnership and many more races.”
