Hanno tennis results

Hanno did very well at the SA wheel chair tennis champs in Mpumalanga. He had to qualify and did well only to loose to Zimbabwe no1, the losing finalist.

He reached the quarters in doubles and finished 21st overall, excellent for his first tournament. The next tournament is in East London end of November.

World Cup dinner

We were really blessed by the goodwill of all our friends that attended the benefit dinner at Stellenrust on 13/09/2007. We feel that it was more a celebration of life and freedom of movement than a charity event. We would like to thank everyone for attending, making Hanno and all of us feel so blessed.
a special thank you to:
Kobie and Renier and Van der Westhuizen family for the venue and wine,
Marie Stander for the artwork,
Christiaan Stewart and team of experts, Tiaan, Carel, Hempies and Brendan
Jean Engelbrecht, Ernie Els and Gert Smal for the signed bottle of Rust and Vrede
Riaan Gouws and Arrabella for the weekend
everyone else who donated, music and PA, flowers, etc
We have managed to grow the fund by R70 000, esentially doubling it.
We are already planning the next celebration a sunset concert on 14/02/2008 at Engelbrecht-Els wine Estate

World Cup warm-up in aid of Hanno

friends,
We are planning our own warm up event for the World Cup to benefit Hanno's trust.

Hanno is doing well and is very busy with swimming and tennis as well as racing at the moment. We are all expecting great things for our rugby team at the World Cup, and would like to invite you all to an evening at Stellenrust where we will have a team of real experts discussing our chances at the World Cup. It will be on the 13th of September, just before the big one against England. We promise good food, and no auction of memorobilia in aid of a great cause. Tickets are R200 pp/R400 per couple. Please contact me at danie@danmorkel.co.za

Danie

Dear friends,

We feel blessed and fortunate to give you feedback on the wonderful journey that we have started with Hanno. Through all you wonderful people we have managed to grow the fund by more than R40 000, which was our initial goal. The first objective was obviously to acquire a good handcycle for Hanno and we are in the process of finalizing it.
Hanno is also doing well in the races and was assessed by the SA wheelchair tennis authorities. They were very excited by his talent and promise and he is getting special training at the University of Stellenbosch.

Another big decision Hanno and his family are facing is, whether to risk brain surgery. There are at present promising results with placing a pacemaker in dystonia. At this moment those pacemaker’s batteries have a limited lifespan.

We are also planning another event for the 20th of October where we will hopefully celebrate our SA’s World Cup victory and contribute some more to the trust. Something more cultural and less physical of nature is what we have in mind.
Don’t worry we will not be relying on all you to contribute again!

Evert and I would like to thank all of you that contributed to Hanno’s trust! It has given us the opportunity to be involved with something special. It lifted us and given us hope to approach other projects with more enthusiasm.

We have a blog up and running, but I will have to get the details from Michel and forward it to all of you.

Regards
Danie and Evert

Dear friends and colleagues,
It is with great joy that I can report back that we survived everything that Leon Evans, course designer of the Cape Epic could throw at us. We also triumphed over most of our personally set challenges. I had to dig deep this week and fortunately had a great partner in Evert. There was a time that I was close to giving up, but having an added incentive kept us going. We concluded the 890km of racing, and I had to cycle 3 km home on Saturday after the race. We came 97th overall and 60th in open male teams. The competition was definitely tougher this year.
I did not find any of the stages easy this year and it was hot and tough. Fortunately we had no mechanical trouble and our Giant bicycles served us well.

It was great to see the family at the finish and to be welcomed by Hanno, Schalk and Reona.
A great thank you to all you wonderful people that contributed, I think that we will reach our first goal of R40 000 and are well on our way to the second R40 000.

I promise to give you regular updates and we have a blog up and running for Hanno. Please feel free to contribute on the blog and I will also try to give regular updates.

A special thanks to Michel de Clippel for setting up the blog, Thys Lombard for photos and news paper articles, Polaris Capital and MAD group,

Thank you once again all you special people!

Regards
Danie

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 8: Kleinmond - Lourensford

Start: Municipal Day Camp Area - Finish: Lourensford Estate

Distance: 75km - Ascent: 1285m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 4:42.14,5
Overall Position 60 in Men category and 97 general
Stage Position 75 in Men Category and 113 general

Stage eight took physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted riders through 80 kilometres of exquisite Winelands territory, with a total climb of 1 285 metres. After following the Palmiet River, riders passed through the apple orchards of Elgin and Grabouw, working their way to the summit of Sir Lowry's pass, where they were forced to carry their bikes down a slippery one kilometre descent over the historic national heritage site of the Voortrekkers ox wagon trail. In Lourensford, thousands of supporters welcomed the winning riders and over 1000 proud finishers. The crowd, a sea of red vuvuzelas, saw the 2007 Absa Cape Epic come to a heroic and festive end. Many riders were overwhelmed by emotions when they crossed the long awaited for finish line and received the coveted finisher T-shirt and medal.

WELL DONE TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

DANIE AND EVERT FINISHED 97 OVERALL

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 7: Villiersdorp - Kleinmond
Start: Villiersdorp Sport Fields - Finish: Municipal Day Camp Area
Distance: 116km - Ascent: 1990m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 5:34.56,3
Overall Position 59 in Men category and 96 general
Stage Position 61 in Men Category and 92 general

Fantastic Team Capital Polaris!! They are now in the TOP 100 overall. I took holiday today and went on the bike with Thierry to meet Danie and Evert. It was very hot today and both suffered from the heat as they mainly trained in the cool mornings. Nevertheless they rode very hard and managed to enter the TOP 100. This is unbelievable taking in consideration the many professional and overseas teams taking part in the Cape-Epic.

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 6: Montagu - Villiersdorp
Start: Montagu Primary School - Finish: Villiersdorp Sport Fields
Distance: 111km - Ascent: 1565m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 4:59.59,0
Overall Position 63 in Men category and 104 general
Stage Position 63 in Men Category and 96 general

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 5: Barrydale - Montagu
Start: Barrydale Primary School - Finish: Montagu Primary School
Distance: 102km - Ascent: 1590m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 5:06.38,4
Overall Position 66 in Men category and 109 general
Stage Position 70 in Men Category and 113 general

Saving The Day

So far, the Absa Cape Epic riders from 43 different countries, have cycled a total of 584 kilometres and climbed a total of 9 805 metres. After enduring hardships like falls, fatigue, dehydration, tendinitis, gastro, muscle aches and saddle sores, it is no surprise that many teams have dropped out or didn’t make the daily cut-off time of 5:00pm. Today’s fifth stage saw 1077 of the original 1206 riders at the start line, out of which, 53 were individual finishers (riders who’s team mate pulled out of the race and who are now completing the Absa Cape Epic with a new partner) and 38 blue number board riders (participants who have been swept in one stage and therefore no longer qualify to be an Absa Cape Epic finisher.).

In the first four days of the race, 554 people consulted Medi-Clinic's four race doctors and six nurses. However, this number includes any consultation purpose from getting minor scratches and bruises to cases of serious dehydration or biking injuries. The Absa Cape Epic's medical team was also called out for three consecutive nights, to assist road accidents, non-related to the race. Basil Bonner, head of the Medi-Clinic's team, says, the team is prepared for anything and carries all equipment, such as the Jaws of Life, necessary to assist in such emergencies. Riders are constantly monitored along the route by 25 ECP (Emergency Care Practitioner) marshals and eight paramedics on quad bikes. The medical team's support of the riders' goal in finishing the race, is evident throughout. Yesterday, Lindsay Baker, from New Zealand, who suffered from a mild concussion after a fall, was pleading to continue the stage in order to be a finisher. The medical team deemed her physically able to do so but nevertheless, escorted her right to the end to ensure her safety.

Tomorrow, riders will again be challenged to another gruelling 111 kilometres as the race moves from Montagu to Villiersdorp in the sixth stage of this year’s Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas, with a total climb of 1 565 metres. After a blistering 5km road start through Cogmanskloof, the race heads into the farmlands of the lush Robertson valley. Exiting the farmland, the riders have a scenic 25 kilometres, on tar, before heading up the day's big challenge, a six kilometre hike-a-bike section, followed by open roads and fast descents all the way to the foot of Rooihoogte. The route takes on a tortuous climb to the radio mast above the town, before descending to the finish line in Villiersdorp.

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 4: Ladismith - Barrydale
Start: Ladysmith High School - Finish: Barrydale Primary School
Distance: 121km - Ascent: 1285m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 5:25.29,2
Overall Position 67 in Men category and 111 general
Stage Position 58 in Men Category and 94 general

Danie and Evert are halfway now and riding a tactically perfect race. Hanno would say 'Hou Aan Nooit Nooit Opgee'. Keep it up Boys we are all proud of you.

Today’s route kicked off at 7.00am in Ladismith, with the riders covering 121 kilometres of tarred roads and farm roads, short climbs and a few technical obstacles. They then moved through the Leopard Rock game reserve, where sandy jeep tracks and wildlife are visible. Then it is onto more rocky terrain for the final 30km into Barrydale. The total climb of the day added up to a total of 1 285 metres.

For complete race results check http://www.cape-epic.com/raceresults.php

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 3: Oudtshoorn - Ladismith
Start: Langenhoven Gymnasium High School - Finish: Ladysmith High School
Distance: 128km - Ascent: 2425m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 7:05.44,7
Overall Position 77 in Men category and 124 general
Stage Position 64 in Men Category and 108 general

Danie and Evert are riding very strong! They climb more than 20 places in the overall standing and are about to enter the top 100.

Starting today’s route at 7:00am in Oudtshoorn, the riders were almost immediately faced with fast jeep track through arid, ostrich-filled plains, a mild start to the toughest climbing day of the 2007 event.

After arguably the hardest start to the Absa Cape Epic ever, day four is a relatively easier rest day, but still holds its own challenges. The roll out of Ladismith is on tar for 6km, before the riders turn right and head onto farm roads of the area. Wide open roads, short climbs and a few technical obstacles will give the Epic entrants time to regroup and recuperate, before entering the Leopard Rock game reserve, where sandy jeep tracks and perplexed wildlife await. Then it is onto more rocky terrain for the final 25km into Barrydale.
For complete race results check http://www.cape-epic.com/raceresults.php

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 2: Uniondale - Oudtshoorn
Start: Uniondale High School - Finish: Langenhoven Gymnasium High School
Distance: 132km - Ascent: 2245m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 7:15.22,2
Overall Position 93 in Men category and 148 general
Stage Position 94 in Men Category and 143 general

ANOTHER GOOD DAY FOR TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS!!

Starting today’s route at 7:00am in Uniondale, the riders covered a gruelling 132 kilometres of open roads, steep climbs and loose descents, with a total of 2 245 metres worth of climbing. 35 kilometres of today’s stage led riders through the exquisite Kamanassie Reserve, where lagging spirits from the heat and tough climb, were lifted by unmatched sights of Western Cape fynbos and game. Many of the international riders were treated to their first glimpses of buffalo, rhino and elephant, as they sped through the Buffelsdrif Game Reserve.For complete race results check http://www.cape-epic.com/raceresults.php

CAPE EPIC 2007 - Progress TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS

Stage 1: Knysna - Uniondale

Start: Knysna Waterfront - Finish: Uniondale High School

Distance: 101km - Ascent: 2660m

TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS
Men Categorie
Time 6:06.49,9
Overall Position 169
Stage Position 169

VERY WELL DONE TEAM CAPITAL POLARIS!! THIS FIRST STAGE WAS A KILLER WITH 2660m of total ascent.

The 2007 Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas has been kicked off, the first five teams to be honoured with the zebra striped leader jerseys have been determined.While the Men’s category is dominated by international top riders, South Africans came in strong in all other categories. The leading women only needed 44 minutes longer than the best men, among them World Cup Champion Roel Paulissen who came in second with his team partner Jakob Fuglsang today.For complete race results check http://www.cape-epic.com/raceresults.php

We have had a great response from everyone that we have asked in the last week to be part of this dream that Hanno and myself have; to help our disabled people enjoy the only sport they can participate in.
It is privilege to be able to play sport.
It is special for us social sportsmen to be able to participate in the same events as the professionals. Events like the Cape-Epic and therefore Evert and I are going to enjoy every moment
The support for this trust in the last week has been overwhelming. at the moment friends, colleagues and friends of friends have pledged a total of R30 000. And it seems that if we can manage a top 50 even more.
MAD make a differnce has made a telling contribution and we take our hats off to the vision of Francois Pienaar, Deon Huysamen and friends.
Christoff Sauzer, world cup mountain bike champ and last year's winner has met with Hanno and have given him spezialized cycling gear and will spent time with him.
Thanks to Thys Lombard and Michel de Clippel for media support

This is a very touching story, please take a careful look. This is someone from our community who is using an event like the Absa Cape EPic to the benefit of a youngster whose life has been changed dramatically by a seriuos disease....

Please be so kind and give them good exposure so that this boy can life his dreams.....

(Contact Dr. Daniel Morkel for more info...or myself.)

The picture I took while Danie Morkel (left) and his partner, Evert Meintjies (right) trained for the Absa Cape Epic on Lourensford estate... Hanno came to show his support!

Thanks,

Thys Lombard
Lourensford Lanzerac Wines
Tel: +27(0)21 8472303 Fax: +27(0)21 8470910
www.lourensford.com

Dr. Daniel Morkel
MB ChB (Orth) (Stell) FCS (SA) (Orth)

Ortopediese Chirurg – Orthopaedic Surgeon

Pr Number 2806053
E-mail: danie@danmorkel.co.za

EPIC 2007

Dear friends, colleagues
My cycling partner, Evert Meintjies, and I have been entered for the 2007 Absa Cape Epic Mountainbike Race.

This is an international, 900km mountainbike stage race. It takes place in March 2007. It will take us eight days to complete the race that follows some of the roughest and most inaccessible routes between Knysna and Lourensford Estate in Somerset West. During the race all teams are responsible for their own bicycle maintenance along the way. Over five hundred teams will be taking part. As you can imagine, this event receives wide media coverage.

The international participants competing in this event are worldclass and winning the event is certainly not an option for us. Our goal is to give a good account of ourselves and our reward will be the satisfaction of preparing for and finishing an endurance event of this magnitude.

We have been cycling 15 to 16 hours per week, starting at 04h30 in the mornings in preparation for the event. Although it is a privilege to participate in this event, our families and colleagues make great sacrifices to enable us to participate.

So much time and effort goes into the preparation and participation in this event and we both feel that the effort could be of benefit to someone else, especially since our participation was made possible by Polaris Capital.

A good friend of ours, Hanno Burger, is a 12 year old boy suffering from a debilitating disease called Dystonia. I have known him since his birth and he is a very talented and very pleasant young boy who for the past 2 years has been affected by this neuromuscular disease. At this stage he is paralysed in his lower limbs and is therefore unable to walk. He uses a wheelchair or crutches to get around. Despite his disability, he is an extremely pleasant and positive young fellow.
His credo is Hou Aan Nooit Nooit Opgee ( Hang on, never, ever give up)

He would love to have a special wheelchair to participate in wheelchair races, which is the only sport he can participate in at this stage of his illness. These specialised hand-driven wheelchairs are expensive and he will need about R40 000 to purchase one. He will need further funds if he qualifies for surgery at a later stage.

We are therefore challenging our friends and colleagues to make a donation for Hanno's wheelchair. It is also Hanno’s wish that the Hanno Burger trust fund will be of benefit other disabled sportsmen. He recently won the first handcycle race that he entered. At this event the conditions of wheelchairs and lack of decent equipment was distressing to him and that is where he would like to make a difference.

There are two ways you can participate.

The first is you can pledge a certain amount per kilometre that we complete (last year it was 920km for myself and 720km for my partner. This year the race is 880km long.

The other is to pledge money based on the position we achieve in the race and thereby challenge us to try our best for a great cause. We will give everyone regular updates via email

The money can be deposited in the following trust account:

Hanno Burger Trust
FNB Stellenbosch
Branchcode: 20-06-10
Account number: 62121852968 - cheque account

Please email me your pledge so that we can follow-up and also so that we can add your email address to our buddy list to give you regular updates.

Regards

DANIE MORKEL
danie@danmorkel.co.za