Master the Course with the TomTom Golfer

TomTom today launches the all new TomTom Golfer, a GPS sports watch designed to make it easy for golfers to improve their game.  Unique course graphics clearly show accurate distances to hazards and layups, and the best approach to the green.

The TomTom Golfer uses graphics to clearly show key golf course data from more than 34,000 golf courses across the globe on its extra-large screen.  Course updates are delivered wirelessly via a unique smartphone app, so golfers can trust they are playing with the most up-to-date course information.

“Understanding the challenges ahead will help golfers to improve their score” says Daan Hendrickx, Country Manager of TomTom South Africa.  “The TomTom Golfer provides at-a-glance graphics to critical course data helping golfers to make smarter decisions and improve how they play.”

                                                                                                          

The TomTom Golfer is designed for golfers, with a lightweight and slim appearance.  It uses GPS technology to automatically recognise nearby courses and find the next hole.  A golfer can also keep track of the score, distance and time of a round.

The TomTom Golfer is available to purchase at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and available soon at The Pro Shop and Golfers Clubs at a RRP of R3999.99.

Barricade 2015: designing the future

adidas has unveiled the 'Barricade 2015' tennis shoe – the latest model in the Barricade line. The new model is the most complete reimagining of the design since the shoe's inception 15 years ago. It's lighter, more flexible and available in an all-new Night Flash colourway.

adidas modeled the new design on the extreme playing style of some of their top Barricade players – including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ernests Gulbis, Kei Nishikori and Novak Djokovic – creating a shoe that can deal with the sharp directional changes and slides that characterize the modern game. The Barricade 2015 provides players with unbeatable stability and durability.

Thomas Weege, Vice President for Heartbeat Sports Design, led the research. "Analyzing our player's on-court performance was an essential part of the design process. Our athletes put their skills to the test every match and we needed to do the same ourselves. By redesigning some core elements of the shoe, we have managed to create a design that is a real departure from previous Barricade designs, while still retaining the core qualities of absolute stability and durability."

After analyzing feedback from professional players and amateurs alike, the designers have maximized the comfort of the new design by introducing an innovative and new Barricade chassis, which replaces the Barricade Claw. The stabilizing chassis has been repositioned towards the heel, freeing up the forefoot and giving the shoe much greater flexibility. The Barricade 2015 is also the first to feature a synthetic-mesh toe shell for maximum breathability.

The Barricade 2015 in the all-new Night Flash colourway will be available on the 1st December on adidas.com and selected retailers.

Rabie and Stenerhag to defend Stellenbosch Cycle Tour titles

Winners of the 2013 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, Johann Rabie and Jennie Stenerhag have set the benchmark for this year’s race, aiming to defend their titles at the 8^th instalment of the event on Sunday, 30 November 2014.

Both Rabie and Stenerhag secured podium finishes at the FNB Wines2Whales MTB race earlier this month, and have set their sights on finishing the year on a high at the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour.

Rabie, who clinched the title in 02:27:04 in 2013, says:  “Hopefully I can win the race again this year.  I completed the short route a couple of times when I first started cycling, and I’ve won the long route twice.  I always enjoy this race because it is the last event of the year for me.  I’ve done a lot of racing recently and am starting to feel a bit tired, but am going to give it my all and look forward to another win on Sunday.”

Commenting on the route change this year, Rabie adds, “I enjoyed the Old Helshoogte Climb, but I like the fact that the New Helshoogte one is a bit tougher.  I love this race because it’s a local ride close to home, and I can’t wait to tackle it again.”

Stenerhag holds the record for the most wins in this race.  She clinched the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour title (previously named Die Burger Cycle Tour) six times in the past seven years, only missing out in 2012 when she finished third.

Coming off the back of a victory in the Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic, followed by her team’s win in the mixed category at the Coronation Double Century last Saturday, Stenerhag says she’s relishing the opportunity to defend her title.  “My training has been going really well and I feel I am really getting into the swing of things now.  I often train on the Old Helshoogte Pass because I live in the area so I know it really well.  The New Helshoogte Pass is a lot tougher as it’s quite a bit steeper in the beginning, but I’m excited about the change of scenery this year.”

Stenerhag finished in a time of 02:41:47 in 2013, adding “It really isn’t about the time that I finish in, but rather the effort I put in and how well I do in terms of skill and technique on the day.”

Other top riders looking to wrestle the trophy from 2013’s champions include 2010 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour champion, Moolman Welgemoed and 2013’s third place finisher, Stefan Ihenfeldt.  2014 PPA OneTonner, winner Shameeg Salie and newly-crowned 2014 Coronation Double Century champion, Evan Carstens are also likely to provide fierce competition on race day.

2014 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour event details:

The Western Cape’s second-largest road cycling event will once again start and finish at Stellenbosch High School in Jannasch Street (just off Merriman Street), with the first group of riders scheduled to start at 06h00.  The challenging 95km route will remain the final seeding opportunity for next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place on Sunday, 8 March 2015.

To stay informed of developments of the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, join their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/stellenboschcycletour or follow them on Twitter at @StellenboschCT.

Alpecin donates 20 bicycles to disadvantaged SA school children

The manufacturers of Alpecin, one of the world’s most effective anti-hair loss shampoos and a major player in international cycling, has donated 20 bicycles to an impoverished KwaZulu Natal community through the Qhubeka Foundation.

Alpecin, a caffeine-based shampoo to stem hereditary hair loss in males, has been sponsoring cycling for more than 60 years. It recently announced its sponsorship of Team Giant-Shimano which will be renamed Team Giant-Alpecin from January next year when it  competes in the UCI World Tour – the “Formula 1” of professional cycling.

In South Africa, Alpecin was involved in this year’s Momentum 947 Cycle Challenge – the world’s second largest timed cycle race -- through contributions to goodie bags and via the Qhubeka Foundation which raises funds for bicycles for children who have to walk over 5km to school every day.

Alpecin’s donation will effectively provide new bicycles to 20 school children in KwaZulu-Natal – with the proviso that they improve their academic results.

Qhubeka’s Executive Director, Sarah Phaweni, said the donation formed part of their festive season “Give Hope” campaign which is aiming to raise funds for 250 bicycles.

“Alpecin’s donation will positively impact on at least 100 people because, on average, five people – which include family and friends -- benefit from one bicycle delivered through our Bicycle Education Empowerment Programme,” she said.

She explained that recipients sign a contract undertaking to improve their academic results and school attendance, further assisting the development of individuals and communities.

Phaweni said Qhubeka bicycle packages included a helmet, lock, pump, tools and delivery. For every 250 bicycles donated, one bicycle mechanic was trained to set up a viable business.

“We appeal to the public to match Alpecin’s donation by helping to fund a bicycle and change a child’s future,” she said.

Alpecin becomes a new major sponsor in professional cycling

As of January 2015, Alpecin will become a new major sponsor of international professional cycling team, Team Giant-Shimano. After its renaming to Team Giant-Alpecin, a team with a German partner will be present in cycling’s highest tier for the first time in five years. The globally successful producer of caffeine-shampoo plans for a long-term commitment, and with it underlines its international orientation.

 “Alpecin has been committed to cycling for more than half a century. With this important step, for us the circle is now complete. For Alpecin unique opportunities to activate new worldwide markets open up, working in cooperation with Giant, the biggest worldwide bike producer”, Eduard R. Dörrenberg, executive director and shareholder of family-run Alpecin explains.

The family-run company, based in Bielefeld, has been connected with professional cycling for a long time and is in charge of an equally long tradition of partnerships in sport.

“This partnership with Alpecin sends out a strong message, also for global cycling. Our international team gets a German heart”, states Team Giant-Shimano General Manager Iwan Spekenbrink, who currently has five German riders contracted.

The commitment has been made for four years and is part of an international strategy. Title sponsor Giant, worldwide leading bike producer, also sees a valuable alliance in it.

"In partnership with Shimano, we made a strong commitment to the team this year so they could compete at the highest level. We’re happy that the performance and dedication of the riders and staff has led to the addition of Alpecin as a new long-term partner. Our mission to advance the sport of cycling, and to promote this healthy activity worldwide, will continue with Team Giant-Alpecin", said Giant CEO Tony Lo.

Alpecin appreciates the team’s way of working, to help cycling develop a new culture through constant innovation, scientific research, as well as the individual support of its athletes. For years now Spekenbrink has fought for more credibility and transparency in cycling with the help of his “Keep Challenging” philosophy.
Until the end of this year, Alpecin and the team will outline the strategy of their partnership more specifically. They will be supported by former Tagesschau newsreader Marc Bator who has actively been supporting the credibility and transparency of cycling for several years.

New name for Stellenbosch’s largest Cycle Tour

The Western Cape’s second-largest road cycling event, previously known as Die Burger Cycle Tour, has officially been renamed the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, to honour its iconic location and rich history.  The 2014 event is presented by Liberty – Own your life Rewards,

David Bellairs, a director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust which organises the annual event, explains the rationale behind the name change: “Stellenbosch is undoubtedly one of the oldest, most scenically attractive and historic towns in South Africa.  We wanted to uphold the event’s heritage, while highlighting its beautiful route through the iconic winelands and mountains of Stellenbosch. The new Stellenbosch Cycle Tour name and logo perfectly aligns with this vision.”

Liberty – Own your life Rewards, the value added services and rewards business for the Liberty Group, has come on board as a sponsor of the newly named event this year.  Commenting on their involvement in the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, Managing Director of the Own your life Rewards division, Rebecca Eliot says, “We are excited to be a part of the 2014 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour. This involvement, we hope, will provide a springboard to many rewarding events for current and prospective customers.”

Bellairs endorses Eliot’s view on the new partnership, adding: “The event has been looking for a corporate sponsor for a number of years, and while previous sponsors offered us great support, we were faced with ever increasing financial operational burdens, also resulting in the 44km route unfortunately not being viable this year.  We are very excited to have Liberty – Own your life Rewards on board and believe their vision and rewards programme is a perfect fit for individuals who enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle.”

The Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, now in its eighth year, takes place on Sunday, 30 November 2014.  In addition to the new name, a significant change to the route sees the inclusion of the New Helshoogte Pass to replace the currently unsuitable Old Helshoogte Pass – taking the route from 97km to 95km.

Entries for the 2014 race are now open, with just under 1 000 still available.  Cyclists can visit www.stellenboschcycletour.co.za and follow the easy instructions to enter online.  Entries cost R330 for PPA members, or R350 for non-PPA members, and are limited to 7 500.

Starting and finishing once again at Stellenbosch High School in Jannasch Street (just off Merriman Street), the challenging 95km route will remain the final seeding opportunity for next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, taking place on Sunday, 8 March 2015.

To stay informed of developments of the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, join their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/stellenboschcycletour or follow them on Twitter at @StellenboschCT.

For more information about the Liberty – Own your life Rewards programme, visit www.ownyourliferewards.co.za.

Manchester Football Legends to play Orlando Pirates Legends in Johannesburg

A dream team of Manchester’s football legends are travelling to Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium to play an exhibition match against the Orlando Pirates Legends on Saturday 15 November at 18H00.

Former England and Liverpool Captain, Mark Wright (Director of FC Tours, who provide Legends Tours), has secured the following players for the tribute match:

Paul Scholes, Lee Sharpe, Louis Saha, Viv Anderson (MBE), Jesper Blomqvist, Ronnie Jonson, Raimond van der Gouw, David May, Quinton Fortune, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore, Keith Gillespie, Russell Beardmore and Ben Thornley.

Fans will be travelling from all corners of the globe to see legends like Paul Scholes, Lee Sharpe and Louis Saha (formerly with Manchester United) getting back on the pitch to make football history.

Viv Anderson (MBE) said: “I’m excited to be joining some legendary players to take on one of South Africa’s oldest and best established football clubs, Orlando Pirates. Ellis Park Stadium will provide a fantastic setting for this one-off match bringing together a truly memorable mix of players for one time only. It’ll be a treat for the players and the supporters alike – a truly special game played in a spectacular setting.”

Paul Scholes commented: “For the supporters and the players alike, this will be a really exciting match, giving fans the opportunity to see Manchester’s legends return to the pitch to take on the Orlando Pirates Legends. We’ll all be honouring the memory of Senzo Meyiwa and are proud to have the chance to help to raise funds to support his family.”

The Legends will also be going head-to-head on the golf course at Sun City for a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday 13 November, followed by a series of gala dinners at both Sun City and The Maslow Hotel. In light of the events leading to the passing ofSenzo Meyiwa, the organisers have agreed to donate some proceeds of the gala dinners & match tickets to Meyiwa’s family.

Floyd Mbele, Orlando Pirates Football Club, Administrative Officer said: “We’re looking forward to taking on the Legends. It’ll make for great football and will offer our fans the chance to see some of the game’s most legendary names in action.  We are overwhelmed at the support for Senzo Meyiwa, through the Manchester Legends and FC Tours kindly offering a percentage of the proceeds to Senzo’s family. The game at Ellis Park will be special for many reasons.”

Tickets for the Manchester Football Legends vs Orlando Pirates Legends match taking place on Saturday, 15 November 2014 are available and on sale at all Computicket and Shoprite outlets for R40, R60 and R100.

European Ryder Cup stars confirmed for 2014 Nedbank Golf Challenge

Half of the victorious European Ryder Cup team as well as two Major winners and three former world number ones are amongst the first group of players to confirm their place in this December’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Tournament Director Alastair Roper, in announcing the first 12 players that will tee it up in the 4-7 December tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour and played at one of Sun International’s flagship golf courses in the Gary Player Country Club, said he was delighted with the response of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars.

“To secure half of the European Ryder Cup team, which is by far the biggest representation of that team to be playing in a single tournament anywhere in the world at this same time, is a major coup for us in a year when European golfers are in such demand following their Ryder Cup victory,” Roper said.

The European Ryder Cup stars in the Nedbank Golf Challenge field include Thomas Bjørn, Martin Kaymer, Victor Dubuisson, Jamie Donaldson, Stephen Gallacher and Lee Westwood. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiminez, who was a vice-captain on the team, is also in the field.

Bjørn is back to defend the title he won in spectacular fashion last year, claiming a two-stroke victory at the age of 42.

Westwood is making his 10^th appearance in the Nedbank Golf Challenge and returns as a back-to-back winner of “Africa’s Major” in 2010 and 2011.

Kaymer is back hoping to add to his 2012 triumph in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and the 2014 US Open champion and former world number one is joined by other former world number ones in Westwood and Luke Donald.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, leads the South Africans in the group, which includes 2013 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner Dawie van der Walt.

Thai golf legend Thongchai Jaidee will be joined in the field by his younger counterpart Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who qualified by virtue of his first-place finish on the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit.

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE CONFIRMED PLAYERS:

Thomas Bjørn (Denmark)

Martin Kaymer (Germany)

Lee Westwood (England)

Charl Schwartzel (South Africa)

Victor Dubuisson (France)

Jamie Donaldson (Wales)

Stephen Gallacher (Scotland)

Dawie van der Walt (South Africa)

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand)

Luke Donald (England)

Miguel Angel Jiminez (Spain)

Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)

BY THE NUMBERS:

Past Champions (3):

Thomas Bjørn – 2013

Martin Kaymer – 2012

Lee Westwood – 2010, 2011

Major Champions (2):

Martin Kaymer – 2010 PGA Championship, 2014 US Open

Charl Schwartzel – 2011 Masters

2014 European Ryder Cup players (6):

Thomas Bjørn

Martin Kaymer

Lee Westwood

Victor Dubuisson

Jamie Donaldson

Stephen Gallacher

Former World Number Ones (3):

Martin Kaymer

Luke Donald

Lee Westwood

Countries Represented (9):

Denmark, Germany, England, South Africa, France, Wales, Scotland, Thailand, Spain

VOLVO OCEAN RACE IS SAILING INTO THE V & A WATERFRONT

The 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race finishes its first leg in the Mother City between 2 and 6 November. The race, which started in Alicante, Spain with an in-port race on 4 October, departed for Cape Town on 11 October and will see seven syndicates take on the grueling journey, which could take anything between 23 and 27 days to complete.

Known as the Everest of sailing and one of the toughest races in the world, the Volvo Ocean Race is the biggest event on the yachting calendar. It attracts the strongest and most experienced sailors, who will no doubt experience massive sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion and of course the wrath of Mother Nature.

Luckily for us landlubbers, there’s some fun and entertainment to be had from these athletic exploits during the stopover period from 1 to 19 November. While the sailors tackle a nine month stint with which to cover 39 000 nautical miles of the most treacherous sea, the V & A Waterfront becomes a hive of activity.

The lead boat is expected to arrive in Cape Town at the beginning of November. You can welcome the sailors as they arrive from 1 to 6 November at Quay 6, and join in the fun at the official Race Village opening at 5pm on the 1^st of November.

Be part of the Open Ocean Festival action in the Race Village during the stopover period, featuring activities such as stand up paddling, fly boarding and dragon boat racing. You can also catch the IRC National regatta, the Ocean Film Festival, the Ocean Long Table Fish Braai and other Volvo Ocean Race Experiences.

The race restarts on 19 November with the ceremony starting at 3pm and competitors leaving at 6pm. Catch the pro-am races on 14 and 16 November, or the in-port race on 15 November. The Volvo Ocean Race Academy will also offer activities from 16 to 18 November. There will be an on-site classroom and playground for aspiring sailors as well as sailing officials to better hone their skills.

The Volvo Ocean Race offers something for everyone as well as every budget with many free and paid for options. The Volvo Ocean Race, the Everest of sailing, on at the V & A Waterfront from 1 to 19 November.

Visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com for more info on the race en first leg results.

Tsogo Sun backs the Boks

I've been lucky enough to stay in a Tsogo Sun hotel in Cape Town while I was there for last year's Cape Town Cycle Tour.

I loved every minute as they went out of their way to help the sports folks there.

I also bumped into the Austrailan cricket team as well as the Hurricanes who were playing a SUper Rugby match.
Here is how they support the Springboks...

A long-time accommodation sponsor of the majority of South Africa’s national sporting teams, Tsogo Sun has expanded its sponsorship agreement with the Springboks in a partnership that dates back to 1995 and has evolved into one in which Tsogo Sun is now the team’s official accommodation and experience partner.

“Tsogo Sun has a long history of supporting the men and women who carry the flag for South Africa on the international sporting stage, and we have been the home of the Springboks since the Rugby World Cup in 1995. We take great pride in our association with the Springboks, which we believe is the coming together of two great leaders. This formidable partnership epitomises our brand values of leadership, charisma, passion and energy,” says Neil Fraser, Group Director of Sales for Tsogo Sun. Tsogo Sun’s sponsorship of sport dates back to its inception over 40 years ago and has seen the group partnering with national sporting bodies to become the official accommodation provider to, amongst others, the South African national rugby, soccer, cricket and netball teams, along with many provincial sporting teams including the Lions, Sharks, Bulls, Western Province, Eastern Province, Griquas and Cheetahs.

No stranger to providing customised treatment and experiences to cater for the specific needs of teams in training to represent the nation, Tsogo Sun ensures not only that the Springboks are accommodated around the country, but also that their specific meal requirements are handled in close collaboration with the team’s dieticians and that their dedicated team rooms are on offer. Private, cordoned off areas are provided for team strategy meetings, sports massage and private meals, and the hotels’ personalised service even extends to screening of calls to ensure an added sense of privacy and reduced distractions.

“We are passionately committed to creating a secure haven where the Springboks can recharge and prepare for their matches, both mentally and physically,” concludes Fraser

TOP SA HORSE FARMS RECOMMEND THE PROBIO EQUINE RANGE TO BOOST AND MAINTAIN HORSE AND STABLE HEALTH NATURALLY

The Probio Equine range has grown in popularity among horse farm owners and managers around South Africa. Numerous Equine centers use Probio in their stables, notably Cavalli Stud Farm and Vine Hill near Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Elra Tonkin, a saddle horse trainer at Cavalli Stud Farm, highly recommends Probio as a cost effective and easy to use all-round horse care solution. The products help the estate to save hugely on stable supplies as well as vet bills: Before using the Probio Equine range, they went through ten bags of shavings a day for twenty stalls, and now they’re down to just four bags.

The Probio Equine range addresses all elements of horse care, and many of the products are multi-purpose. Elra uses Odour Away, a versatile product that simultaneously combats odours and other potential health threats. Some of the benefits of using Odour Away, Elra says, are reductions in dustiness and dryness caused by accumulating shavings: ‘The horses' hooves don't dry out, they stay healthy…the horses don't cough either - it's a fantastic product.’ Elra states that ‘you can walk into the stalls, day or night, and the smell is wonderful’.

Since using Probio, the stables at Cavalli have become almost completely free of flies. Leslie-Anne Leigh of Vine Hell has had the same positive experiences with the Probio Equine range, which she has used on her farm for three years. In a recent interview, she stated that the flies in her stables have ‘completely disappeared’. She also remarked on the benefit of being able to re-use manure as compost, continuing the natural cycle of healthy bacteria across the farm.

The Probio Equine range works by creating and maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the stables. The Equine range, comprised of Bio Clean and Odour Away, helps you to control ammonia levels in stables, reduce fly pests, save on sawdust and straw bedding and increase manure management options. Together, they address numerous areas of Equine health and care, providing an all-natural and highly effective alternative to chemical-based products.

Bio Clean is an industrial strength probiotic cleaning concentrate containing powerful microbes and their metabolites that break down grease, grime and dirt. The microorganisms found in Odour Away feed on the high levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compounds found in stables. Applying Odour Away changes the underlying microbial ecology to one that is balanced and healthy. It works by treating the problem, as opposed to merely deodorizing the symptoms. This product can eliminate the source of foul odours before they occur, making it a sustainable Equine hygiene solution.

As the testimonies from Cavalli Stud Farm and Vine Hill demonstrate, the Probio Equine range is dynamic and highly effective, addressing a plethora of horse care issues using safe and natural probiotic technology. These products ensure a cleaner stable environment and happier horses, and are rapidly becoming a trusted all-round Equine care solution across South Africa.

Probio is also developing a range of digestive products namely Bio Livestock and Livestock Bokashi to include in the Equine Range.

TomTom Runner Cardio

TomTom launched the Runner Cardio GPS sport watch with cutting-edge heart rate technology. The Runner Cardio has a built-in Heart Rate Monitor, eliminating the need for a separate chest strap.

The Runner Cardio makes it easy to train in the optimal heart rate zone. Runners can select one of five intensity zones to match their training goals and will receive alerts to know whether they need to speed up or slow down. Runners can see real-time heart rate, distance, pace and other essential running information at a glance, while running.

“Once again, TomTom is making innovative technology accessible to everyone,” says Daan Hendrickx, Country Manager of TomTom Southern Africa. “We know that heart rate monitoring is the single most accurate way to understand how the body is responding to exercise. Now, with the launch of the Runner Cardio, all runners can easily use heart rate training to improve

The Runner Cardio accurately measures heart rate with a Mio® optical sensor, which monitors changes in blood flow by shining light through the skin.

The TomTom Runner Cardio is available from 14 August at selected retailers with a RRP of R3799.00. There is also a Multi-Sport Cardio sport watch available from 14 August at selected retailers with a RRP of R4599.00. The Multi-Sport Cardio Bundle which includes Altimeter, Cadence and HRM is available from 14 August at selected retailers with a RRP of R5599.00.

Tsogo Sun Moves For Life chess programme is a boost to education

Launched less than a year ago, Tsogo Sun’s Moves for Life chess programme is taking the game to  31 000 learners in more than 100 schools and has trained over 900 teachers schools around the country, with encouraging reports of improved academic performance. 

In support of the proven benefits of chess as an educational tool, Susan Polgar, four-time world chess champion, says, “According to research, test scores improved by 17.3% for students regularly engaged in chess classes, compared with only 4.6% for children participating in other forms of enriched activities."

Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Tsogo Sun, says the group chose to support chess in its far-reaching corporate social investment programme as chess fits well with its strategy of promoting sport and education in our schools. “Also important is that chess is one of the government’s top 16 priority sporting codes for inclusion at school level and so it aligns closely with government’s educational initiatives.”

Much of the success of the programme can be attributed to the fact that, while significant research over many years has established that chess contributes to many skillsets within a child’s development, the game is primarily fun and appealing to children – which means they’re gaining skills in maths, science and lifeskills while they’re playing.  Much research backs up claims that chess improves concentration; it develops logical and abstract thinking, analytical, visualisation and decision-making skills, among others,” said von Aulock.

The Moves For Life programme has a number of sponsors across the country, including BHP Billiton, Sasol as well as Anglo American, increasing the programme’s reach and impacting over 100 schools, 900 teachers and 31 000 students. Chief Education Specialist of the Western Cape government, Naomi Meyer, is impressed by what she has seen happening with chess in schools. “I believe that chess is an important development tool during the foundation phase (Grade R to Grade 3 learners) and I aim to implement the Tsogo Sun Moves for Life chess programme in every school in the Western Cape.”

The Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme is divided into three key elements, namely MiniChess (Grade R to Grade 3), MasterMoves (nine years and older), and teacher training.  It has been implemented in six provinces in which Tsogo Sun’s leisure destinations are located, reaching ten schools in the Soweto area; six in Diepsloot near Fourways; 11 on the West Rand; three in Welkom in the Free State; 10 on the West Coast and six in Mossel Bay – both in the Western Cape; two in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal; and two in Witbank in Mpumalanga.

MiniChess impacts all learners in the class, and is part of the school timetable. The focus throughout the lessons and activities is on fun – learning through play.

Grade 5 learner at Dumezweni Primary School, Asavela Mbewana, is adamant that “chess improved my maths.” And John Rramarumo, Principal of Muzomuhle Primary adds that the Tsogo Sun Moves for Life programme goes even further and “enables learners to believe in themselves.”

Mickey Scheepers, a Trustee of Tsogo Sun Moves for Life agrees, “The greatest gift you can give a child between the ages of 6 and 9 is self-confidence.” He says that the Tsogo Sun Moves for Life initiative “is fuelled by people who believe that every South African child has the potential to become a world-class citizen.  Participation in chess, and in particular the Moves for Life programme, positively impacts a child’s attitude towards life; a ‘can do’ boldness is an essential element for any type of human achievement. Our partnership with Tsogo Sun is very beneficial as it is providing a massive boost to the sustainability of the initiative and lending credibility to one of the most successful educational interventions in South Africa.”

Cycle Tour entries open on 26 September 2014

The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), organisers of the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour, has announced that entries to the 2015 tour will open on Friday, 26 September 2014 at 1pm to coincide with an important announcement relating to the event. 

The Cycle Tour – now in its 38^th year – will take place on Sunday, 8 March 2015 with 35,000 riders lining up to tackle the spectacular 109km route around the Cape Peninsula.

David Bellairs, a director of the CTCTT, explains: “Traditionally, general public entries for the Cycle Tour have opened on the first day of September. This year, the entries open date has been delayed to coincide with an exciting announcement about the tour.  While a few changes will be introduced, they will not impact on the format of the route and our main priority remains to provide the world-class experience that participants and spectators have come to expect.”

The Cycle Tour has grown from humble beginnings, attracting only a few hundred participants in its inaugural year in 1978, to the much-loved international event it is today.  

Acknowledged as the world’s largest timed cycle race, it sees keen cyclists from all over the world flocking to Cape Town on the second Sunday in March each year to participate in this iconic event.

Eager participants wanting to enter the 2015 Cycle Tour can like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cycletour or follow us on Twitter @CycleTour_SA for regular updates.

For more information on the Cycle Tour, visit www.cycletour.co.za.

TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC APPOINT NEW GENERAL MANAGER

The Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) NPC has appointed Carol Vosloo as its new General Manager.

Says Vosloo, “I am honoured to be taking on this position and thrilled to be sharing the passion and commitment of the great team that currently implement the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon event  - the world's most beautiful marathon."

Lester Cameron, Board chairperson of TOM NPC is delighted to have this position filled well before the 2015 adventures begin and believes Vosloo has what it takes to manage this iconic world-class event.

Vosloo started her 'sporting career' as events co-ordinator at Eastern Province Cricket. Since then she has gained a wealth of experience in the sporting world. As a partner and director of a sports marketing consultancy in Johannesburg, she has managed and executed events such as the Nedbank Golf Challenge and both national and international cricket, rugby and soccer events.

Even though Vosloo is not a marathon runner, she comes with great passion for planning, implementing and organising sports events. Her favourite, albeit challenging memories, are from the inaugural Carling Black Label Cup, standing in the tunnel of a stadium filled with 90 000 passionate soccer fanatics!

The mother of two young budding sportswomen, she admits that their sporting talent comes from their father. Smiling she adds that while she has run a few 10km events, she won’t be doing any marathon training in the near future, with her hands full in organising the 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon.

What is Lawn Bowls?

Entries open for the 22nd Coronation Double Century in Swellendam

Entries for the annual Coronation Double Century, now in its 22^nd year, open at 13h00 on Wednesday, 30 July 2014. Cyclists are encouraged to enter early to avoid disappointment as only 200 teams of up to 12 riders each will be allowed to participate.  Entries will close as soon as this limit has been reached.

The highly-anticipated team cycling event will take place on Saturday, 22 November 2014, when roughly 2,000 riders will tackle the challenging 202km route that starts and ends in the quaint town of Swellendam. 

David Bellairs, a director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), says: “The Coronation Double Century is one of the most popular team cycling events on the South African cycling calendar.  Last year we celebrated its momentous 21^st birthday with the fastest win in the history of the race. We have no doubt that this year’s event will offer equally satisfying riding conditions, cycling quality and outstanding results.” The CTCTT organises the annual event on behalf of the Pedal Power Association.

Coronation Fund Managers, sponsor of the event for the past eight years, is proud to be associated with this great test of teamwork and tenacity. Senior portfolio manager Neville Chester says, “Taking part in the Coronation DC demands long-term training commitment, discipline and the resolve to go the distance on the day. This resonates with what drives us at Coronation. We have a steadfast determination to deliver the best possible investment returns over the long term.”

The demanding, but scenic route will remain unchanged in 2014, again passing through the Overberg region, including Montagu, the Tradouw Pass and the tough 7km Op De Tradouw stretch.  In order to improve cyclists’ safety along the route, there will be a significant change to the format of this year’s event.

Bellairs explains: “In our eternal quest to improve the riding quality of the Coronation Double Century, support vehicles will no longer be permitted to follow their riders from Ashton, but will instead be detoured via an alternate route to Bonnievale where a neutral feeding zone will be made available to teams.  It is hoped that the change in format not only improves the safety on the road for participants, but also contributes to a pleasant riding experience.”

Steve Hayward, chairman of the Pedal Power Association says, “To be able to partner with the CTCTT, so that we can present another exciting Coronation Double Century for both cyclists and spectators, is an absolute privilege.  We are looking forward to another successful event in 2014.”

Teams can enter at www.coronationdc.co.za. A valid credit card is required to pay the R7,000.00 entry fee per team and only the first 200 paid teams will be accepted.

Riders interested in finding team members can make use of the online notice board at http://www.coronationdc.co.za/riders/notice-board-entries/.

For event-related queries, please contact the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Events Office on 086 184 6464 during office hours.

Like the Coronation Double Century Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoronationDC for regular event updates, or follow @TheCoronationDC on Twitter.

Birkett holds lean Berg day two lead

An icy cold, rainy and windy start greeted the paddlers as they set off from Zonquasdrift on the second day of the 2014 Berg River Canoe Marathon on Thursday and in the end, it was KwaZulu-Natal visitor Andy Birkett who crossed the line first and claimed the leader’s yellow bib while Abby Adie produced another stellar performance to retain her women’s race lead ahead of stage three’s 75km slog.

With a group of four having started the day together, Jasper Mocké (Kayak Centre) fell off the back of the group after getting stuck in a tree block in the second half of the stage and was unable to claw his way back to the lead trio.

This opened the door for Birkett, day one leader Graeme Solomon and Simon van Gysen to open up a two minute gap over the surfski ace and for Birkett to eventually outsprint his two fellow rivals in the dying meters of the clash.

Although Birkett takes a seven second lead into the third day of the Berg River Canoe Marathon, the EuroSteel star is all too aware that there is still a lot of racing ahead of the paddlers.

"It is still a very close race! I just won the end sprint today but there is still over 100km of racing to go in this year’s Berg so there will be some exciting, tough racing ahead,” he said.

Mocké claimed the bridge prize on the first day of the race but it was Birkett who took the R5000 hotspot prize on the second day and was happy with being able to win it after missing out on day one.

"I was quite disappointed that I messed up the bridge prize yesterday so I tried to prove a point today and I was stoked to get the hotspot.

I’m mainly happy about still being in contact with the guys at the end of the day too though!”

Understanding the river has already played an important role amongst the front bunch but for a Birkett, who is unfamiliar with the river, he is glad that he is with a couple of guys that understand the Berg River and have helped him over the first few days.

"This is a race where you do have to have local knowledge and if I wasn't racing with those other guys and using their knowledge I would be way further back in the field, so I am grateful that I have got some nice guys that I am racing with and are looking after me and not just pushing me into wrong channels,” he commented appreciatively.

It was another strong day for Western Cape veteran Graeme Solomon who powered his way to back-to-back podium places however after relinquishing the leader’s bib, the Bamboo Warehouse paddler explained that he was a bit disappointed by his race on the second day.

"I wanted to use a couple of my sneaks to get a bit of an advantage over the guys but they were marking me so well today and knew that I know the river quite well and they didn’t let me make any moves.

"I would have preferred to put a bit more pressure on the guys going through some of the trickier spots but they knew to watch me,” Solomon added.

An interesting race continues to unfold further down the men’s field after a strong charge by AQRate’s Louw van Riet brought him right back into the mix and once again has ignited his duel with current fifth place holder Edgar Boehm Jnr  for the final gold medal position.

The two were in a very similar position in 2013 with van Riet eventually pipping Boehm by a handful of seconds to claim his first ever Berg gold and with just two minutes separating them after two stages of the 2014 clash, Boehm has his work cut-out for him over the next two days of racing.

“I’ve never won a gold medal at the Berg before and Louw (van Riet) just beat me to it by eight or so seconds last year. He’s now about two minutes behind me and it’s definitely a little too close for my liking!” smiled Boehm afterwards.

“I got my first gold last year, Edgar wants his this year but man, so do I!” chuckled van Riet.

It was a tough day on the river for Build it’s Thulani Mbanjwa who fell off Boehm wave at Trein Bridge while two rare swims by EuroSteel/Computershare Change a Life Academy’s Sbonelo Kwela, formerly known as Sbonelo ‘Eric’ Zondi’, saw him drop from tenth overnight to seventeenth after stage two.

Overnight leader Abby Adie continued her complete domination of the women’s race during Thursday’s second stage and is now well on her way to her maiden Berg River Canoe Marathon victory bar any major mishaps on the final two days.

Setting off in elapsed time – in the same sequence she and the other first half an hour of paddlers finished in on day one - enabled Adie to ‘ride the wave’ fellow competitors should she be in a position to, an advantage all of her chasers who started in A batch, would enjoy immediately.

The Best 4 Healthcare/Kayak Centre talent endured the first 20km on her own though before finally finding some company.

“I’m just so relieved to finally be here!” said a cold and tired Adie after arriving at stage two’s finish at Bridgetown. “I haven’t had such a tough day on the river in a long, long time!”

“There was a really nasty headwind, it was pretty cold out there on the water and I was on my own for a really long way which took quite a lot out of me,” she added.

Despite her stage two struggles Adie has not only maintained her overnight lead, but extended it immensely to over twenty minutes and now enjoys a monumental buffer going into Friday’s longest stage of the four day race.

“There is still a long way to go and lots can still happen but the gap is pretty big which is really pleasing and now I’ll just look to try play things as safe as possible and stay out of trouble, especially tomorrow.”

Adie’s twin sister Alex was the second across the line on the day however a determined effort in the closing stages saw Bianca Beavitt hold onto her second place overall, albeit with a minute less of a gap than she enjoyed at the end of stage one.

“It was a bit of a day of back and forth between Bianca and I, she got ahead first and then got stuck in the trees a bit and I came through. She then got onto a good bunch shortly after Gouda Bridge and caught me and then I managed to get ahead again a little later,” explained Adie.

“I made a slight mistake in the second half of the stage which cost me a bit but I worked really hard towards the end and I’m really happy I seem to have minimized the amount of time Alex was able to take out of my lead,” added Beavitt.

2013 women’s runner-up Kirsten Penderis (AQRate) reeled in the fast-starting Lauren Felgate (MacSquad) to retain her fourth place overall while Felgate, finishing a few minutes later with Robyn Henderson, rounds out the top five once more at the end of stage two.

Stage three sees paddlers tackle the 75km from Bridgetown to Zoutkloof on Friday 18 July. More information can be found at www.berg.org.za

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – BERG RIVER CANOE MARATHON
STAGE TWO (ZONQUASDRIFT - BRIDGETOWN)
Overall
1. Andy Birkett 3:18.21 7:25.15
2. Graeme Solomon 3:18.29 7:25.22
3. Simon van Gysen 3:18.27 7:25.23
4. Jasper Mocké 3:20.30 7:27.25
5. Edgar Boehm Jnr 3:23.20 7:37.44
6. Louw Van Riet 3:22.31 7:39.44
7. Lee McGregor 3:27.30 7:41.58
8. Lance Kime (U23) 3:23.20 7:46.02
9. Thulani Mbanjwa 3:28.33 7:42.59
10. Luke Stowman (U23) 3:23.20 7:46.02
11. Lance King 3:23.08 7:46.04
12. Heinrich Schloms 3:27.36 7:50.04
13. Paul Marais 3:35.34 7:57.55
14. Clinton Cook (U23) 3:54.59 8:00.47
15. Dominic Notten (U23) 3:55.00 8:00.48
16. Craig Flanagan (U23) 3:35.09 8:00.59
17. Sbonelo Kwhela 3:44.48 8:02.49
18. Travis Wilson (U23) 3:35.09 8:06.16
19. Tyler Wilson (U23) 3:34.57 8:06.16
20. Irvin Dixon 3:36.58 8:07.42

Women
1. Abby Adie 3:37.15 8:11.35
2. Bianca Beavitt 3:49.28 8:31.37
3. Alex Adie 3:48.11 8:36.01
4. Kirsten Penderis 4:05.51 9:06.17
5. Lauren Felgate 4:09.27 9:09.54

U23 Men
1. Lance Kime 3:23.20 7:46.02
2. Luke Stowman 3:23.20 7:46.02
3. Clinton Cook 3:54.59 8:00.47
4. Dominic Notten 3:55.00 8:00.48
5. Craig Flanagan 3:35.09 8:00.59

Junior Boys
1. Siyanda Gwamanda 3:46.58 8:29.02
2. Mthobisi Cele 3:51.02 8:30.52
3. Jabulani Gwamanda 3:59.48

Reigning King stumped on Berg day one

A bright but chilly start turned into a nightmare for defending Berg River Canoe Marathon champion Lance King who laboured to fourteenth place overall following an early swim after the only short portage of the day, a day which belonged to Graeme Solomon and Abby Adie who claimed the men's and women's race leader's yellow bib respectively ahead of the grueling 48km second stage on Thursday.

The day got worse for the Duxbury Network star who battled to overcome his early setback and explained that it was a day to forget following his boat-length advantage at the start.

“The highlight of my day was starting a boat-length ahead of everyone else,” a despondent King said shortly after getting off the water. “I fell out at the first portage and the day just got worse from there. It was a long, long day.”

Following the unfortunate swim early in the race King was unable to get himself back to the main field with the cold playing havoc with his health as he attempted to work his way back to the front.

“The swim just meant that my arms were too cold and the cramps just meant that I couldn’t get back to the front.

“It was a really tough day out there for me today,” King commented.

With such a strong men’s field going into the day, the lead group was whittled down as the day laboured on and it was a group of four that finished together with Solomon leading the diamond over the finish line with triple Dusi Canoe Marathon champion Andy Birkett and SA Surfski Champ Jasper Mocké rounding out the podium with surprise package Simon van Gysen finishing a close fourth.

Having one Berg River Canoe Marathon victory under his belt already, Solomon has been in this situation before and he is all too aware that there is a lot of racing still to go.

"It is a long way to the sea from here and after the first day you just want to be in touch with the front guys. It is nice to come across the line first but it doesn't mean much and it will be a big race tomorrow to the end,” the Bamboo Warehouse paddler said.

With one of the strongest fields the Berg River Canoe Marathon has seen in its 53 year existence, Solomon is aware of the threat that the men around him pose going forward after the blistering pace set by the front-runners off the start-line on stage one.

"It was a very fast pace out there to start with but that was to be expected with the likes of Andy Birkett, Jasper Mocké and that lot, they are all world champions in their own right.

"It was a very fast start and a quick first 30 to 40km's until the front group eventually broke down to four which then saw the pace settled down a bit towards the end,” the Berg veteran said.

After throwing his name into the contenders ring at a fairly late stage, current Dusi Canoe Marathon champion and second place finisher on Wednesday, Andy Birkett was well aware of the pressure that was exerted at the front of the race but was happy that he was able to stay with the front guys the whole way through.

"It was a great race out there today. We started with quite a big bunch out there leaving Paarl, there were about six or seven boats which put everyone under bit of pressure until we could whittle it down to four boats.

"After that it was nice and relaxed and we worked as a group and paddled into the finish together and I am chuffed that I made the distance and am looking forward to tomorrow.

"I am stoked just to be on the front bunch, that was my goal going into the day and so I am really stoked that it has all gone to plan,” a happy EuroSteel star mentioned.

Great grandmaster competitor Lee McGregor - father of nine-time Berg winner Hank McGregor - claimed a staggering eighth place in 2013's race and before the starter's gun fired on Wednesday morning, he was adamant his return in 2014 would be to put in an even more remarkable and improved performance.

McGregor managed exactly that on the opening stage as he crossed the line in seventh place and the day then got even better shortly afterwards for the diesel engine of the field as he received news of his first grandchild's arrival after Hank's wife Pippa gave birth to young Thorsten McGregor at midday on Wednesday.

In the woman's race, pre-race favourite Abby Adie claimed a sizable first stage lead of nearly eight minutes, a positive start in her effort to claim one of the few titles on the South African canoeing calendar that she has yet to stake a claim for during her already illustrious career.

The Best 4 Healthcare/Kayak Centre young star made a telling break one third of the way into the opening stage after she, twin sister Alex Adie and Western Cape surfski paddler Bianca Beavitt set a steady pace up front together during the first hour and a half of the four day clash.

"I don't think I could  have asked for a better day today!" said a very happy Abby Adie afterwards.

"It was a really long day and I just looked to break it down into little bits. Early on I stuck with a couple of the other girls but then when I managed to pull ahead at about 27km, nobody came with me so for the majority of the day it was a really long and lonely paddle.

"Hopefully tomorrow I can get through the tree blocks cleanly and then it will be nice to have some of the guys' waves to work with," she added.

A newcomer to the Berg, Beavitt looked to use the little local knowledge she had to her advantage and bravely hung on to claim second place while the fast-returning to top form Alex Adie rounded out the day's women's podium.

"I was really happy with how my day went. I didn't have any swims and even though I made one or two little mistakes, being relatively new to rivers again, I was really chuffed," said Beavitt.

"I only really decided to do Berg about six weeks ago. I had initially looked to do marathon but then exams got in the way and so i chose to do Berg instead and so to finish up second after the first day, I'm really pleased with.

"It's by no means a done deal that Abby will win it either. There are still three very long days and well over hundred kilometers to go so lots can still happen!" she added determinedly.

2013 runner up, Kirsten Penderis worked closely together with Berg novice Lauren Felgate as the pair finished together in fourth and fifth place respectively but will have to work extremely well together again on day two if they are to bring themselves back into podium contention.

Stage two takes place on Thursday 17 July from Zonquasdrif to Bridgetown. More information can be found at www.berg.org.za

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – BERG RIVER CANOE MARATHON
STAGE ONE (PAARL TO ZONQUASDRIF)
Overall
1. Graeme Solomon 4:06.53
2. Andy Birkett 4:06.54
3. Jasper Mocké 4:06.55
4. Simon van Gysen 4:06.56
5. Edgar Boehm Jnr 4:14.24
6. Thulani Mbanjwa 4:14.25
7. Lee McGregor 4:14.27
8. Louw van Riet 4:17.12
9. Lance Kime 4:17.15
10. Sbonelo Kwhela 4:18.01
11. Paul Marais 4:22.21
12. Heinrich Schloms 4:22.27
13. Luke Stowman 4:22.42
14. Lance King 4:22.55
15. Clinton Cook 4:25.47
16. Dominic Notten 4:25.47
17. Craig Flanagan 4:25:49
18. Nkosi Cele 4:28.58
19. Irvin Dixon 4:30.43
20. Travis Wilson 4:31.07

Women
1. Abby Adie 4:34.20
2. Bianca Beavitt 4:42.09
3. Alex Adie 4:47.49
4. Kirsten Penderis 5:00.26
5. Lauren Felgate 5:00.27