Dis-Chem Ride for Sight 2022 – Media Release – CYCLE ONCE AGAIN TO RESTORE THE GIFT OF SIGHT

The ever-popular Dis-Chem Ride for Sight was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid restrictions. The good news from both a cyclist and Retina SA point of view is that the event has been sanctioned to take place on Sunday 20th February 2022 from the Boksburg City Stadium. This road cycling event has been held in Ekurhuleni for the past 33 years and it will once again serve as a seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour – a testament to the reputation and organisational standard of excellence the event has consistently delivered over the years.

There are 2 distances – the 116km Super Classic where the top cyclists in South Africa will compete for the Ernest Hunt Trophy and a share of the R70 000 in category prizes. The 62km Challenge caters for the novice and fun cyclists. The event will be covid compliant and strict covid protocols will be implemented at all points of contact. All participants will be required to provide physical proof of vaccination or a valid negative covid test conducted less than 72hrs before the start. Unfortunately no spectators will be allowed into the stadium.

The following gifts, premium offers and vouchers will be received by all online pre-entrants: 1) a free eye test from Vision Works; 2) an event branded face mask from Velotex; 3) a R50 voucher from Cycle Lab and 4) a water bottle. All pre-entrants will also be entered into the lucky draw for prizes worth over R100 000, including amongst others a 7-night holiday for 2 at Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort in Zanzibar, a Venter trailer with bike rack, a Sealy Queen bedset, sunglasses and holiday and meal vouchers. An additional donation competition puts two ticket holders in line to win one of two prizes (1) a holiday for 2 at Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort and (2) a superb Silverback Strela road bike from Cycle Lab. Donations from this competition will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation – the funds going towards genetic testing for children from financially disadvantaged families.

Ekurhuleni based community groups involved in the organising of the event include volunteers from Retina South Africa, Springs Wheelers, Hamnet Emergency Communications, Benoni Red Cross, Road Rangers, East Rand Cycling organisation and local schools and service clubs. Online entries close on February 6th. Enter now at www.cycleevents.co.za in order to meet this deadline.

All proceeds from the event go directly to finding treatments for retinal blinding conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt Dystrophy, Usher Syndrome and other rare blinding conditions. Over the past 32 years over R10m has been raised by this event. For more information see http://retinasa.org.za/get-involved/dis-chem-ride-4-sight/ or email headoffice@retinasa.org.za

For comment:

Contact: Claudette Medefindt claudette@retinasa.org.za

Mobile: 0833065262