CLEOPATRA MADIOPE
We all like the thought of making a difference, but we “never get around to it”. However, the Occupational Therapy House Committee does make a difference by hosting the Occupational Therapy Annual Fun Run and Wheelchair Race.
The fun run, sponsored by the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA), took place at Fountains Valley in Pretoria on Saturday, August 12. There was with a rather disappointing turn out of just over 200 participants, including Occupational Therapy students and lecturers, people with disabilities and the general public.
The main race started at 08:30 and the wheelchair races at 9:30. These were accompanied by a spirit of excitement. The lucky draw prizes included an electric toothbrush worth R1100, food hampers, vouchers from Runaway Sports and several restaurants.
The likes of Oscar Pistorius, Lindy van der Merwe (Miss Teen Africa) and author Annie Coetzee attended the event to present prizes and assist with the preparations. All proceeds went to the West Rand School for the cerebral palsied and children with learning disabilities in Krugersdorp.
This race serves to promote awareness of occupational therapy and people with disabilities. The committee is aiming for over 1 000 entries for next year’s fun run, so be on the look out and be part of making a significant difference in a small way.
