Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 Engen Champ of Champs, Engen is proud to be involved in another exciting initiative aimed at making a life-changing difference to an aspiring athlete who lives with a disability.
South Africa’s leading energy and convenience company has partnered with Sean Clarke, an avid sport enthusiast who severed the nerve at the back of his knee at the age of seven which left him paralysed from the knee down.
Clarke, who’s accident 21-years ago has not gotten in the way of his dreams continues to live his life to the fullest, with achievements including completion of the 2022 Comrades Marathon, amongst other adventurous sporting endeavours.
Through his “Gammie on the Go” initiative, Clarke aims to debunk stereotypical views of disability by setting out on an 8-day cycling odyssey from Johannesburg to Cape Town to raise funds for James Thusi – a young athlete living with disability who hopes to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The eight-day 1 520km cycling trip will conclude with Clarke taking to the icy waters of the Atlantic to complete a 7.5km swim from Big Bay to Robben Island just 24-hours after getting off his bike.
Speaking ahead of his ambitious journey set to start on Friday, 6 October, Clarke emphasised that the initiative is not only about raising awareness but also making a tangible difference in Thusi’s life.
“I’ve lived my life as a disabled individual and I’ve been very proud of it. I’ve tried to live in a way that gives back by showcasing the power of the made-up mind by doing things that able-bodied people can do,” commented Clarke.
“Last year I ran the Comrade’s Marathon to prove that I could, and to prove to everyone else that these things are possible regardless of your abilities. I’m not only doing this to raise disability awareness but I’m doing this for a special kid, James Thusi who lost his leg as a result of a shack fire when he was two years old, and he’s lived his life in a similar way to mine by proving to people that he can do things and always pushing the boundaries” he concluded.
The Engen-sponsored Gammie on the Go trip details:
6 Oct: JHB – Kroonstad
7 Oct: Kroonstad – Bloemfontein
8 Oct: Bloemfontein – Colesberg
9 Oct: Kroonstad – Victoria West
10 Oct: Victoria West – Fraserberg
11 Oct: Fraserberg – Sutherland
12 Oct: Sutherland – Ceres
13 Oct: Ceres – Cape Town (City Lodge Hotel – Pinelands)
For regular updates on the trip, the public is encouraged to follow Engen Sports across all social media platforms.
