Wednesday, September 26, 2012
| 00:00 Taking place for the second time, the annual
Oliver Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk
has attracted interest amongst several media personalities, celebrities and
public figures this
year.
Amongst those who will be participating in the Walk, which takes place on Saturday, 6 October
2012, are recording artist and
TV presenter Stoan Seate, media personality Kass Naidoo, businesswoman Uyanda
Mbuli, and TV
presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen.
The
Liberation Walk has also earned its spot on politicians' social calendars.
High profile public figures who will
participate in this worthy cause include
Speaker of the National Assembly of South
Africa, Max Sisulu and his family, Ekurhuleni Mayor, Councillor Mondli Gungubele
and Ambassador Kingsley Makhubela, Director General of the National Department
of Tourism.
The theme for this
year’s Liberation Walk is ‘Walk to Educate’. Oliver and Adelaide
Tambo were great advocates of education and the role it plays in unlocking doors
for young people for a better future. Proceeds from the Walk will go towards improving the
infrastructure at Ludeke Primary School in Bizana in the Eastern Cape,
where O.R. Tambo started his formal education.
October has been
named ‘OR Tambo Month’ in honour of the stalwart's contribution to the liberation
struggle. The Walk traces the footsteps of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo in
Ekurhuleni, where they spent a great part of their lives.
Talking about his
participation in the Walk, recording artist and television
presenter
Stoan Seate said, “I would like to encourage South
Africans to register for the race. The more we participate, the more
funds we can generate towards this worthy cause aimed
at improving the conditions of learning at the
school. I
am
truly excited
to be a part of such a significant initiative.”
Organised in partnership between the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo
Foundation, O.R. Tambo International Airport and the City of Ekurhuleni, the
Liberation Walk is expected to draw at least 6 000
entries this year. The event includes five- and ten-kilometre
walks, and a 21,1-kilometre
half-marathons, which is a new feature this year. The total prize money for the Walk is
R150 000 and the winners of the men’s and women’s half marathon
will each
walk away with R15 000.
The Walk starts and
finishes at O.R. Tambo International Airport Sports Ground (old Denel Grounds)
off Atlas Road, Bonaero Park.
Liberation Walk ambassador, Uyanda Mbuli, says,
"It is
really an amazing honour to be
associated with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk again this year. I
encourage every South African during OR Tambo Month to come and join us in
celebrating the legacy of our struggle heroes, who were dedicated to making a difference.
This is a fun and exciting initiative that will also give people an opportunity
to test or improve their fitness
levels."
Solomon Makgale,
Group Communications Manager of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
says, “As one of the key partners of this event, we are very
pleased with the progress made so far. By adding the half-marathon and prize
money, we are attracting more professional walkers and runners. The proceeds
will go towards improving the conditions of Ludeke Primary School, thereby
providing a more suitable environment for learning and restoring a site where
anti-apartheid struggle icon, O.R. Tambo, started his formal learning.”
For
those who would like to participate in the Walk, entry forms are available online at www.tamboliberationwalk.co.za or selected sports shops and information points at O.R. Tambo
International Airport.
To contact the race office, call
011-312-7743.
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