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Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited today announced record-breaking engagement at the halfway point of the pool stage, as total match attendance approaches the one million mark.
The fantastic tournament atmosphere and compelling rugby is capturing the hearts and minds of fans nation and worldwide, with official fanzones full to capacity, #RWC2015 trending globally on all match days, and TV viewing figures reaching record levels. Rugby World Cup 2015 is on track to be the biggest Rugby World Cup to date, and total match attendance figure to date has reached 972,921, helped by two record-breaking attendances at Wembley Stadium - 89,267 fans attended the Ireland v Romania match there, surpassing the previous weekend's record-breaking Rugby World Cup crowd of 89,019 for New Zealand v Argentina. The most competitive tournament to date, it is not just the top teams that are attracting the attention. Playing in front of packed stadia, teams including USA, Georgia, Japan and Namibia have received strong support with Romania playing in front of 140,000 fans across just two pool matches. The official fanzones throughout England and in Cardiff have seen fans keen to soak up the match atmosphere and feel part of the international event, with 378,000 visitors to date passing through the doors since opening. Brighton's Madeira Drive set the standard during Japan's electrifying 34-32 Pool B win over South Africa which saw 20,000 fans visit the fanzone to enjoy the action. The Cardiff Arms Park fanzone atmosphere was electric as Welsh fans relished their team's 28-25 defeat of host nation England. Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Newcastle will all be opening up their fanzones to fans in the coming weeks as Rugby World Cup 2015 comes to their area. Rugby World Cup Limited has confirmed the tournament has attracted some of the highest broadcast audience figures around the globe, including in Japan, the host nation for Rugby World Cup 2019. The 20 million audience there for Japan v Scotland represents the second-highest ever national TV audience in Rugby World Cup history, behind the 20.7 million viewership for the Rugby World Cup 2007 France v England semi-final. In the UK, a peak audience of 9.4 million UK viewers tuned in to host broadcaster ITV's coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2015 opening ceremony and kick-off match between Fiji and England on 18 September. The England v Wales match was watched by an average of 10.4 million viewers, the largest rugby audience in the UK since the 2007 final. Overall, Rugby World Cup 2015 is shaping up to be one of the most spoken about sports events on the planet with social media activity on track to surpass the total volume achieved across the whole of New Zealand 2011 by the end of this weekend. The official Rugby World Cup App, available at www.rugbyworldcup.com, has already been downloaded by more than two million fans. The digital content offering, delivered in four languages, has seen more than 18 million visitors to rugbyworldcup.com and one million users of the official #RWC2015 hashtag as it has trended globally on all match days, and video views on social platforms in excess of 60 million. World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup 2015 is proving to be a very special and record-breaking global celebration of rugby that has fan experience at heart. This is already the most talked about rugby event ever on social media and the most talked about sporting event of 2015 in the UK, and there is no doubt that the unforgettable moments are inspiring new audiences around the world to get active and get into rugby.” England Rugby 2015 Managing Director Stephen Brown said: "We're delighted that fans new and old have taken Rugby World Cup 2015 to their hearts, and are embracing all the excitement, drama and passion that comes with hosting such an exciting world-class event on home soil. We are thrilled to secure two Rugby World Cup record breaking attendances within the first two weeks of the tournament and approach a total of one million fans enjoying such compelling rugby in our match venues. There is a true celebration of rugby taking place across the country, and to see nearly 400,000 fans pass through our fanzones on matchdays and non-matchdays, really reflects the reach of this event. We're confident that this is just the start and with a limited number of tickets for some great matches still on sale at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets fans can still be part of the action.” Fans are being urged to snap up the remaining tickets via official channels so as not to miss out on the spectacle. Tickets are still available at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets and supporter tours and hospitality are available at www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours and www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality respectively. Fans can also take advantage of the Official Resale Service via www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets if they can no longer attend matches. This is the official, safe and secure way to sell to tickets to fans at face value. |
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Rugby World Cup 2015 off to a record-breaking star
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour entry applications open tomorrow
A reminder to all prospective 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour riders: Online entry applications open on Wednesday, 09 September 2015 at 1pm and will stay open for two and half weeks, closing on Monday, 28 September at 1pm.
Entry applications amount to an indication of interest only and do not ensure entry. Cycle Tour entries will be awarded at random, regardless of whether interest is registered on the first or the last day of the application period.
In August 2015, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), organisers of the annual iconic event, announced a new online entry application process for 2016 which has been introduced to eliminate the quick sell-out of entries and improve cyclists’ overall experience. David Bellairs, a CTCTT director, says: “This is the first time Cycle Tour has moved away from the first-come-first-serve entry mechanism, and we believe this new system will ensure a more equitable and inclusive process for all prospective riders. We want to remind applicants that they do not need to rush to be the first in line as soon as the portal opens. Instead, they are able to apply for an entry at their convenience during the allocated period, giving all eager riders a fair chance to access the online portal to register their interest and to update their details at the same time.”
The Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, 06 March 2016 and is limited to 35,000 riders. All entry applicants must follow the clear three-step process to apply for a 2016 entry.
How to apply for a public entry to the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour:
· Entry application:
From Wednesday, 09 September at 1pm until Monday, 28 September at 1pm, prospective local and international riders can apply, free of charge, for an entry at www.capetowncycletour.com.
· Entry confirmation:
During the week of 2 October, successful applicants will receive an email notification from the Cycle Tour Events Office, advising them that their application has been successful.
· Securing an entry:
Successful applicants will have until Monday, 26 October at 1pm to make payment which will secure their entry. Payment not received by this date, or should the applicant opt to decline the entry awarded to them, will result in that entry being made available to a previously unsuccessful rider. Local general entries will cost R470 per rider.
Corporate Group entries will no longer be available this year, so those who have made use of these in the past will need to follow the public entry application process. A certain number of the entries will be made available via charity groups at varying costs and unsuccessful applicants or corporate group riders are encouraged to support a worthy cause by entering via one of the successfully listed charities.
Follow @CTCycleTour on Twitter or like the official Cape Town Cycle Tour page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CTCycleTour) for regular updates.
For any event queries, or assistance with entries, please contact the Cycle Tour Events Office during office hours on 087 820 7223 or visit www.capetowncycletour.com.
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Tough day for SA quartet in Europe
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| Danielle du Toit from Gauteng North and Woo-Ju Son from Gauteng; credit Sally Greasley / WGSA |
It was day of struggles, tough conditions and frustration for the four South African juniors competing in international championships in Sweden and Germany on Wednesday.
Ivanna Samu traded places with compatriot Kaleigh Telfer at the Annika Invitational Europe, while Woo-Ju Son slipped and Danielle du Toit continued to battle in the RB German Junior.
Samu from Ruimsig overtook Telfer to lead the home challenge with a 74 in the second round at Bro-Bålsta GolfKlubb.
The reigning Nomads SA Girls champion birdied the first and negated the damage of a triple bogey at eight and two birdies with further gains at nine, 13 and 14.
Samu will start the final round in a tie for 25th on three over 149 with Line Hansen from Denmark and Fiona Liddell from Germany.
Telfer from Bryanston offset three bogeys with three birdies, but a double bogey saw her sign for a 76 and she trails Samu by one stroke.
Overnight leader Sophie Lamb from England held on to pole position with a 71, but will contend with Ana Pelaez from Spain, who fired a 69 to grab a share of the lead.
“The weather was quite up and down,” said Womens Golf South Africa president Karen Olivant.
“It rained for most of the first nine holes and the wind was really gusting, but the sun came out after the girls turned and then it got really hot.
“Ivanna and Kaleigh are really enjoying the experience, especially making so many new friends and the workshops with Annika after the rounds.”
Meanwhile Gauteng golfer Woo-Ju Son lost her footing and Danielle du Toit from Gauteng North continued to struggle to come to terms with the par-72 layout at Golfclub Heidelberg.
Son opened with a 74 in the Global Junior Golf Tour event to tie for third, but slipped to joint 14th on 12 over 156 after carding an 82 in round two.
Woo-Ju hit her drives beautifully but birdies were very hard to come by,” said Womens Golf South Africa vice-president Sally Greasley.
“She played steady golf, but dropped three shots on the front nine. Her chipping and putting woes continued on the back nine continued and she missed short putts for par at 10 and 12.
“She stemmed the bleeding with four pars and made her first birdie at the tough par five 17th after hitting a fantastic second shot into the green.
“The 18th hole is uphill all the way and Woo-hit another great shot into the green to set up a birdie chance, but her putt lipped out and she closed with a bogey.
“Danielle had another lacklustre day and signed for another 85. She picked up a birdie at three, but pulled her drive at four and went out of bounds. She followed the bogey with a triple at the fifth.
“Her par at six was the only ray of sunshine amid a string of bogeys and she turned six over. Matters didn’t improve on the back nine and she just couldn’t find any momentum.
“They know they are both better golfers than their scores reflect and both girls headed straight for the putting green after the round because they know the pins will be tough on the last day. I am pleased that Danielle, despite all the struggles, is staying very positive and embracing the experience.”
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Incredible 1st and 2nd place for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung
The 2nd stage of the Tour of Denmark would see MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung put in an incredible team performance, resulting in a 1st and 2nd finish on the stage! Edvald Boasson Hagen was our victorious rider while Kristian Sbaragli finished in 2nd place.
It would be a long stage at 235km in length but in the end it all came down to the final 30km's. The early breakaway riders had just been caught after our African team, particularly Nic Dougall and Theo Bos, and Astana had done the majority of the early chasing. Countless attacks then went off the front in the closing kilometers but each time the aggressors were pegged back, most often by our riders as we looked to set up the bunch sprint.
Even when we hit the final 3 laps of the local 4.5km circuit, riders kept flying off the front. Jaco Venter and Andy Stauff followed just about everything in order to keep the race together and then Jacques Janse van Rensburg also put in a massive turn on the circuits climb to bring back a dangerous move on the final lap. With just 2.5km to go, the umpteenth attack came from Magnus Cort Nielsen (Denmark), and he quickly built up a sizable gap. It was only thanks to Gerald Ciolek burying himself on the front that the Nielsen was eventually caught inside of 1km to go.
Ciolek kept going up until the final corner at 400 to go and then it was down to Edvald and Kristian for the sprint. Edvald went pretty long, starting his sprint at around 300m to go with Kristian on his wheel. Our Norwegian champion had such an intense turn of speed though that nobody was going to be able to come around him. There was no reason for Kris to try and come around either as he comfortably crossed the line in 2nd to give our team our first ever 1, 2 finish in Europe. It is also our 15th victory of the season.
Edvald Boasson Hagen - Rider
It was a pretty long stage but I felt really good. The final was hard enough to suit our team and the guys were excellent in chasing down all the small attacks. Gerald was fantastic to lead us out into the final kilometer and to make sure Cort Nielsen was brought back. I had a good position in the final corner and just took it from there. I am really happy to take this win and it's also extra nice to have Kris finish 2nd.
It was a pretty long stage but I felt really good. The final was hard enough to suit our team and the guys were excellent in chasing down all the small attacks. Gerald was fantastic to lead us out into the final kilometer and to make sure Cort Nielsen was brought back. I had a good position in the final corner and just took it from there. I am really happy to take this win and it's also extra nice to have Kris finish 2nd.
Michel Cornelisse - Sport Director
It is always great when a plan comes together and works perfectly. Many times the plan doesn't always work out but today it did and we can only be very happy with our victory. Yesterday we were a bit disappointed with the results but today made up for it. We also pulled back 10 seconds on the GC so now a top 5 overall is still possible. The team were really excellent.
It is always great when a plan comes together and works perfectly. Many times the plan doesn't always work out but today it did and we can only be very happy with our victory. Yesterday we were a bit disappointed with the results but today made up for it. We also pulled back 10 seconds on the GC so now a top 5 overall is still possible. The team were really excellent.
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung was founded in 2007, steadily working its way up from a regional team to now being a Continental Pro team with bases in South Africa and Italy. MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung’s goal is to give talented African riders a path into the pro peloton while raising funds for Qhubeka. In 2015, MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung are inviting you to help them mobilise 5,000 kids on bicycles. To contribute to the#BicyclesChangeLives Campaign, click here.
Qhubeka is an Nguni word that means “to progress”, “to move forward”. Qhubeka (qhubeka.org) is World Bicycle Relief's program in South Africa. World Bicycle Relief (worldbicyclerelief.org
MTN (mtn.co.za) is a long-time supporter of Qhubeka and the team. Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting 219.2 million subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Learn more about the team at www.
Enjoy our fanzone at www.teammtnqhubeka.com/Fanzone
Gearing up for Tsogo Sun Amashova cycle challenge
Durban is gearing up for thrilling action at the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2015 on 18 October. Offering prize money of over R100 000, the race, which is one of South Africa’s largest cycling events, runs from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban through spectacular scenery, ending at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, with the prize giving at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast.
The main Tsogo Sun Amashova race is 106km long, with two shorter ‘fun ride’ options of 35km, which starts at Hillcrest and ends at Suncoast, and the 65km half challenge, which starts at Cato Ridge and ends at Suncoast. All three races will have full road closure.
This is the second year that Tsogo Sun is the headline sponsor of the race and last year’s Tsogo Sun Amashova proved a huge success, drawing a record number of over 10 000 entries, and enticing South African’s to experience the thrill of the race while enjoying a family beach weekend away.
“The Amashova has been going for 29 years – but the headline sponsorship by Tsogo Sun has given it a new lease on life, adding activities and appeal to the event and attracting the attention of riders from elsewhere in the country and even from Europe,” says Noëleen Bruton, Director of Marketing Group of Tsogo Sun. “We are proud to be associated with this fantastic KwaZulu-Natal tradition – and we anticipate pulling out all the stops to ensure that all our Amashova guests experience a brilliant weekend away.”
Once again, the fun Mini Shova for children will take place the day before the big race at Suncoast, with distances of 1km for 3-5 year olds and 5km for over 5s – giving the children the opportunity to share in the thrills of the weekend.
As the headline sponsor, Tsogo Sun has created a series of exciting accommodation packages at its different hotels in Durban and uMhlanga, and transport has been arranged by the race organisers to the main race start from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, as well as safekeeping for bikes both before and after the race. “Both the race and a weekend in Durban are exciting! This is a wonderful opportunity for riders and their families to make an adventure of the weekend, enjoying the challenge of the race, the magnificent countryside, as well as the attractions of the area – and there are many!” says Bruton.
Says Neil Fraser, Group Sales Director of Tsogo Sun, “This second Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic underscores our belief in this cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to our target market. Cycling has grown to the point where it has now become ‘the new golf’ in South Africa. We believe our partnership with Amashova is giving the race the opportunity to grow to a cycle challenge that appeals to a far wider audience of novices, serious riders and families. We’re looking forward to our second bigger and better than ever Amashova – and to welcoming a host of new riders to the starting line – and of course to our many hotels in the area.”
Annie Batchelder, Race Director for the Tsogo Sun Amashova, says the Amashova is South Africa’s oldest classic cycle race. “It’s become a favourite for many of our top cyclists – and we’ve no doubt it will continue to grow in popularity and size with Tsogo Sun behind it.” Batchelder says the race has also contributed significantly to local communities with its social investment programmes, which includes having built a road safety bike park at Ethembeni School in Inchanga, and many other projects.
Serious and casual riders from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and elsewhere in the country are encouraged to get their entries in for the Tsogo Sun Amashova as well as their bookings for great value accommodation package deals at Tsogo Sun’s hotels. All bookings can be done on www.shova.co.za.
Rambo continues dream season with hat-trick
Christiaan Bezuidenhout stitched up his third title on the country’s premier golf development Tour with wire-to-wire victory in the IGT Tour’s Pro Squad Classic on Wednesday.
Bezuidenhout had to contend with strong winds in the final round at Centurion Country Club, but the Wanna Be A Champion player prevailed to triumph on five-under-par 211 less than two weeks since he claimed a five-stroke victory in the Sishen Open.
The 19-year-old Delmas golfer closed with a three over 75 to finish well clear of Sunshine Tour regular TJ Bekker, Conway Kunneke and NJ Arnoldi.
The former number one ranked amateur in South Africa turned pro in March. In addition to three victories, he boasts three runner-up finishes and two third places in 10 starts in six months. His worst finish was a tie for 11th in the Gary Player School for Champions Classic in June.
“My main aim has been to gain consistency and to learn to produce under pressure, because it is a very different kind of pressure when you play for money,” he said.
“I am really pleased with my preparation for the European Tour’s First Stage Qualifying in September. I have a lot of work to do before I leave, but I feel that I am moving in the right direction.”
Bezuidenhout said the conditions were tough and definitely affected his performance.
“It’s winter, so the fairways are hard and the greens even harder,” he said.
“The wind varied between three and four clubs, and you constantly had to adjust your game plan, because it changed direction so much. It was incredibly difficult to control the ball and get anywhere near the pins, but I didn’t help myself, either.”
Bezuidenhout followed a birdie at the par-five 12th with three bogeys on the trot.
“I hit three bad shots in a row and got punished for it, but I kept it in play after 15 and turned two over and got back to level with two quick birdies after the turn.”
Disaster struck when his tee shot at six rolled into the hazard and walked off with a triple bogey.
“By this time I was really mad at myself for making so many rookie errors,” he said.
“I guess the adrenaline was still pumping and I hit a huge tee shot at seven. I had 180 meters to the pin and I hit an eight-iron to two feet and made the birdie, only to drop at again at the eighth.
“I still had a nice lead, so I decided just to lay up at 18 instead of trying to drive the green, and two-putted for par.”
Bezuidenhout said he found it difficult to celebrate after such a poor round.
“A win is a win, but I have to be honest, I’ve never played that badly and won,” he grimaced.
“Anyhow, onwards and upwards, as they say.”
GFG Academy’s Bekker carded a 73, Wanna Be A Champion stable-mate Arnoldi battled to a 75 and Kunneke signed for a frustrating 76 to share second on 215, while amateur Ruan Korb from Centurion Academy returned a 74 to take sole fifth on three over.
Meanwhile Danie Pretorius and amateur Chris van Tonder made the most of their early tee time
First out of the blocks, Pretorius from the Robbie Stewart Golf Academy enjoyed a string of seven birdies after a bogey at 11 and Van Tonder also mixed seven birdies with three bogeys.
The duo posted a pair of 68s to vault to joint sixth on four over alongside professional Siphiwe Siphayi (75) and amateurs Jandre Fullard (75) and Andrew Williamson (77).
FINAL RESULT
(All players RSA unless otherwise specified; amateurs indicated as AMA)
211 - Christiaan Bezuidenhout 68 68 75
215 - TJ Bekker 72 70 73, NJ Arnoldi 69 71 75, Conway Kunneke 69 70 76
219 - Ruan Korb (AMA) 74 71 74
220 - Chris van Tonder (AMA) 79 73 68, Danie Pretorius 78 74 68, Jandre Fullard (AMA) 73 72 75, Siphiwe Siphayi 73 72 75, Andrew Williamson (AMA) 72 71 77
221 - Pieter Kruger 74 75 72, Matthew Vogel 72 72 77
222 - Keegan Steyn (AMA) 73 74 75, Gideon Pienaar 74 71 77
223 - Herman Minnie 82 71 70, Carlos Arroyo (AMA) 73 73 77
224 - Garth Wolter 74 74 76
225 - Andi Dill (AMA) 71 80 74, Pieter Muller (AMA) 77 74 74, Bryn Flanagan 70 72 83
226 - Ted Hendriks 71 75 80
227 - Divan Marais (AMA) 78 74 75, Simon Kruger 77 74 76, Christiaan Pretorius 74 79 74, Hilton Hughes (AMA) 77 76 74, Carrie Park (AMA) 73 73 81, CJ Levey (AMA) 71 74 82
228 - Louis Taylor (AMA) 76 74 78, Sheldon Steyn ZIM 73 73 82
229 - Andre Van Heerden (AMA) 79 77 73
230 - Tyron Mc Comb 73 79 78, Gregory Royston (AMA) 74 77 79, Niel Meyer 76 77 77
231 - Michael Jooste (AMA) 76 77 78, Gary Daoust (AMA) 77 77 77, Ruan Conradie (AMA) 78 77 76
232 - Wian Verster 76 78 78
233 - Gareth Akers (AMA) 77 76 80
234 - Reynhard Reynecke (AMA) 77 74 83, Peetie van der Merwe (AMA) 77 74 83, Shaun van Tonder 78 76 80
235 - Marc de Jager (AMA) 79 74 82, Niel Theron (AMA) 79 77 79, Cole Dodgen (AMA) 75 81 79
237 - Maxime Deffontaine (AMA) BEL 75 81 81
238 - Slade Fick (AMA) 77 78 83
239 - Mark Bright 76 79 84
242 - Ryan Ciapparelli 75 81 86
245 - Zillan Du Pisani (AMA) 80 76 89
WDN - Joubert van Eeden (AMA) 77 76 WDN, Godfrey Mphaga 78 75 WDN, Hendrikus Stoop (AMA) 81 71 WDN
N/R - Jaco Mouton 72 80 N/R
Sunday, August 02, 2015
Doping in Athletics
Athletics looks set to be plunged into a new doping crisis after IAAF test data leaked to two news organisations showed hundreds of suspect samples from athletes, including Olympic and world championship medallists, the BBC reported on Sunday.
Britain's Sunday Times newspaper and German broadcaster ARD/WRD say they had been given access to the results of 12,359 blood tests given by more than 5,000 athletes over 11 years. When analysed by scientists, the tests showed more than 800 athletes had given blood samples that were "highly suggestive" of doping or "abnormal", reported the BBC, who added they had also seen the documents.
Although abnormal blood tests are not in themselves proof of doping, the release of the data will be an embarrassment to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) less than a month before its world championships in Beijing.
"We have to wait for the transcript of this before commenting," IAAF General Secretary Essar Gabriel told reporters on Sunday. IAAF President Lamine Diack, who is stepping down later this month, said he was not aware of the programme.
"If you have seen it you can tell me what it says," he said, speaking at the International Olympic Committee session in Kuala Lumpur.
The IAAF introduced biological passports for athletics as part of its drug testing regime in 2009, which help in the detection of abnormal fluctuations in red blood cell counts. Athletes, most notoriously in cycling, have used blood transfusions and the stimulating agent Erythropoietin (EPO) to increase their red blood cell count, which can help improve performance in endurance events.
The BBC report said a third of medals in endurance events at the Olympics and world championships between 2001 and 2012 were won by athletes who have recorded "suspicious tests".
Cheating by the use of banned substances has long been a scourge of athletics, from the systematic doping in the former East Germany, through Ben Johnson's disqualification from the 1988 Olympics to the BALCO scandal in the United States.
Sebastian Coe, who is expected to be elected the new president of the IAAF later this month, has said he will set up a new anti-doping body specifically for athletics. The Briton is running against fellow former Olympic champion Sergey Bubka in the election, which will take place on Aug. 19 in Beijing.
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
The ideal companion for those living an active life – Huawei Talkband B1 from DCC
For those living an active life, whether on land or in the water, the latest Huawei Talkband B1, wearable technology that tracks health and fitness, from distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) is the ideal companion. Featuring activity recordings, sleep tracking, calories burned, Bluetooth 4.1 as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) fast pairing, the Huawei Talkband B1 is the ideal solution to complement your active life and keep you connected.
“Most of us live a high-paced on-the-go lifestyle, juggling work, gym and other activities. Furthermore, many of us try to live the ‘healthy’ lifestyle, increasing our exercise during the day and eating healthily. Having a device that can track health activities, provide information and advice while updating this information to your smartphone is the perfect solution,” says Terence Narayanan, Huawei Product Specialist at DCC.
When active, one often finds it difficult to monitor your smartphone or take calls. However, the inclusion of NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 technology as well as an earpiece, users can easily sync their smartphone to the Huawei Talkband B1 and take calls no matter where they are. The Huawei Talkband B1 also monitors all your movements by recording the number of steps you have taken and the calories you have burned. Now you can stay on top of your fitness with ease by managing your steps and monitoring your calories daily.
Ensuring a good night sleep is essential for healthy living, and more often than not, we experience interrupted sleep patterns. The Huawei Talkband B1 monitors your sleep including the hours you have slept and the quality of your sleep. Understand the quality and quantity of your sleep by syncing your sleep patterns with sleep tracker software on your smartphone, allowing you to view, monitor and take action in order to improve your sleep.
“The battery life featured on the Huawei Talkband B1 is impressive – providing six days of regular use time, seven hours of talk time and 14 days of standby time. This is all possible with the 90 mAh battery, ensuring you are keeping track of your lifestyle, all the time. Life is busy and we all try to cram as much into one day as possible. Striving towards an active life and quality sleep can provide users with an improved quality of life. Let the Huawei Talkband B1 help you manage and monitor your active life,” concludes Narayanan.
The Huawei Talkband B1 can be used in water or on land – whether you are running, surfing, swimming or more. It is IP57 rated which means it is waterproof (can be immersed in 1 metre of water for 30 minutes) and is protected against dust.
The Huawei Talkband B1 is available immediately from DCC and select retail outlets.
For more information, visit www.drivecon.net
Monday, May 11, 2015
The Nissan Leaf
It was a Wednesday night and I was driving home when I looked at my fuel gauge to see that I was running low. I had 13 kilometres left, according to the trip computer, and the dashboard had lit up to tell me to fill up. It was late, 10pm, and I had to find a place to fill up quickly.
To the average motorist, this has happened many times. You simply pull in to the nearest service station and ask the attendant to fill up your car with petrol. But this was no ordinary car, this was the ALL ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF EV.
Pretty, isn't it?
It's bigger than it looks in the picture. The Leaf will easily take 5 adults and their luggage in a massive boot. The handling is amazing with the centre of gravity really low due to the batteries underneath the chassis.
See that cable running from the little tower into the car? That's the quick charger. It will charge your car from 3% to 90% in about 40 minutes. That is what I needed at 10pm on that fateful Wednesday night.
Currently, there are a limited number of quick charging stations in South Africa. Luckily for me, there are two within 10km of my home and I was able to charge at another on that Wednesday night. But let me start from the beginning.....
I was lucky enough to drive the amazing Leaf for three days last week. The car is all electric. There is no backup engine to charge the batteries. While driving, when you coast to a stop and apply the brakes, there is a charging action that extends the life of the batteries. The drive is eerily quiet with no engine noise whats so ever. This does mean that you have to keep a careful eye on the spedometre aas the car tends to get up to speed very quickly with 80Kw under the bonnet and what feels like unlimited torque. There are no gears so the car just keeps on going and going until you look down at the split dash and see that you have easily reached 100km/h.
Inside, the car has all the mod cons one would expect. Heated seats and steering wheel. (The streering was a first for me). Climate control, touch screen panel, rear facing camera as well as a beeper so that pedestrians can hear your car coming at low speed because it is so quiet. (You can switch the beeper off if you want.)
Outside, the car is a sleek and aerodynamic. I am not a fan of the lights in font, but they must be there for a reason.
Now the charging.....
Nissan claim a range of 190km on a single charge. I can say that that might me so under perfect conditions and very gentle driving. The temperature must be right, the traffic must be flowing and you must have managed your batteries very well.
When one buys a Leaf, you are given a charging cable that can plug into a regular South African plug as well as a charging station installed at home. One dealer I spoke to says that the installation of the charging station is included in the hefty price of the vehicle. I asked what happens should you move house and he didn't have an answer for me.
The Leaf will charge overnight, just like a cell-phone and be ready to go the next morning. Should you experience load-shedding, then the handy travel charger can be plugged in anywhere to slowly charge your car. It might actually be a better idea to find a plug at your office and charge the car while it is sitting idle during the day.
The Leaf is not your ONLY car. With the short range, you will not be driving to Cape Town in it. Highway driving sucks the juice out of the batteries too quickly and you will be charging every 50km or so. This is a city car, designed VERY well for the city.
Sadly at almost R500,000 it is a very expensive city car.
I hope that Nissan make a smaller version of the Leaf that is more affordable.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Winners of Duke of Edinburgh Cup set for royal treat
The four winners of South Africa’s top amateur annual golf tournament – Tsogo Sun’s Duke of Edinburgh Championship – were revealed after a day of nail-biting play on 20 April on the Rockland and Woodmead courses of the Johannesburg Country Club, winning a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in the exclusive Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2015 World Finals in England.
The winners are Mr Mervin Mudaly and Mr Kevin Naidoo from Pietermaritzburg, representing Golden Horse Casino, who won on the Rockland course, and Mr Man Chan and Mr Zhao Jin Chen from Johannesburg North, representing Silverstar Casino, who won on the Woodmead course.
The tournament represents the South African leg of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, which is played annually in 10 different countries with the aim of raising funds to benefit children and young people in need. Tsogo Sun has been associated with the tournament for more than 10 years and has raised over R8 million for charitable causes over the years.
The much sought-after prize for the winning pair on each course is a golfer’s dream come true. It includes a trip to London, hotel accommodation for five nights from 27 September to 1 October 2015, entry to the 36-hole Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Final which will be held over two days at the Buckinghamshire and Mill Ride Golf clubs near Windsor, an invitation to play at the Royal Household Golf Club at Windsor Great Park and attendance at a royal champagne reception and prize-giving dinner in the state apartments of Windsor Castle where all contestants and their guests will be introduced to a senior member of the British Royal Family who will be in attendance at the dinner.
This year’s tournament was by invitation only, giving Tsogo Sun the opportunity to thank their loyal and supportive card members.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Championship is a highlight on our annual calendar; it is a leading tournament in the country and always provides an exciting day’s play, and it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for underprivileged children,” says Noëleen Bruton, Director of Marketing for Tsogo Sun.
This year more than 2 200 children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 from Muzomuhle Primary School, Diepsloot’s oldest and largest school, benefitted from funds raised through the charity-driven golf tournament. On 24 March, Tsogo Sun handed over 2 200 anoraks, 400 pairs of school shoes and 300 school jerseys to help the children cope through the winter months. Tsogo Sun worked in partnership with the school to identify the children’s needs and how to positively impact these children’s school experience.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this highly prestigious event every year and we believe it is a truly memorable experience for all the players – particularly the winners – as well as the worthy beneficiaries of the funds we raised. We heartily congratulate the four worthy winners and wish them an exciting and successful trip to the Duke of Edinburgh Cup finals in September,” says Bruton.
Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. The Group operates in all segments of the hotel market from Deluxe to Budget. For further information, visit tsogosun.com.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Ballantine’s Finest Whisky presents the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Award nominees
Voting is now open for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky. The 16 nominees have been identified with voting taking place from 1 April 2015 at www.kickoff.com.
Editor of leading football magazine KICK OFF, Richard Maguire, says: “These 16 footballers are now on the shortlist and will be battling it out to be crowned with the prestigious title as South Africa’s number one footballer of the season.”
He adds: “These players have this season not only proven their worth on the field of play, complemented by their flair and determination, but also with their off the field skills such as leadership, coping under pressure and helping their team to grind out a result. Sportsmanship and of course their behaviour are other major aspects that are taken into consideration.”
Initial voting by the public takes place from 1 April until 13 April 2015, after which a further shortlist of 8 candidates will be announced on 14 April. A final round of public voting to select the Ballantine’s KICK OFF Football Player of the Season will then commence before the awards ceremony on 28 May 2015.
KICK OFF, the continent’s most successful football magazine, partnered up with the world’s second highest selling Scottish whisky, Ballantine’s, in order to honour these outstanding athletes.
Brand manager, Daryl Dixon, explains why Ballantine’s and KICK OFF make a perfect fit for the awards: “Ballantine’s Finest whisky inspires people to have the conviction to stay true. This ethos forms the basis of our global mantra, which is ‘Stay True. Leave an Impression.’ This ties in perfectly with the 16 shortlisted players who have left an impression at their respective clubs over the course of the season and we believe will continue to do so.”
The 16 shortlisted players for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky, are as follows:
· Cole Alexander (Polokwane City)
· Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town)
· Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers)
· Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits)
· Andile Jali (KV Oostende)
· Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates)
· Cuthbert Malajila (Mamelodi Sundowns)
· Thabo Mnyaname (University of Pretoria)
· Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates)
· Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs)
· Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs)
· Tsepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs)
· Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs)
· Teko Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns)
· Thuso Phala (SuperSport United)
· Dove Wome (SuperSport United)
To vote for your favourite player for the KICK OFF Footballer of the Season Award presented by Ballantine’s Whisky, as well as the Finest Moment of the Season, visit www.kickoff.com. Alternatively you can email forum@kickoff.com (Vote FOTS in the subject line) or send a letter to KICK OFF at PO BOX 16368, Vlaeberg, 8018.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Pretoria’s High Performance Centre partners with Brand ID
The High Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria and Brand ID are thrilled to announce a newly formed five year partnership.
Brand ID, a Lifestyle Fashion and Sports Brands distribution business with a family of 25 brands has offered a unique level of partnership to support the high performance culture of the HPC through their global sport brand portfolio.
Says Brand ID‘s CEO Wayne Bebb “we have had a long standing relationship with the HPC and our Speedo brand. We have found them to be a perfect partner and therefore found it opportune to extend the relationship with them further into our broader brand family. Our business prides ourselves on creating unique partnerships between athletic centres of excellence and our business to offer them best in class product to support their achievement goals. It’s a pleasure to engage with the HPC who sees the value in true partnerships”.
The partnership allows the HPC access to the entire Brand ID family of brands with particular focus on Skins, Skilz, Speedo, Mizuno, Canterbury and Brooksfield.
Canterbury needs no introduction and has defined the “world of rugby” as the playground for the brand. Mizuno celebrates its Japanese heritage by providing superior footwear for track, road, trail and field. Speedo positions itself as the number one swimwear brand in the world and produces unrivalled technical product due to its massive investment in research and development. Skilz produces training equipment that acts as a workout partner. By incorporating technology with targeted training to develop athletic enhancement, it encourages optimal workouts and results. Skins is the number one compression garment in the world offering unrivalled athletic performance and recovery. Brooksfield is a lifestyle brand offering the unique opportunity to also cater for any off field apparel.
Exclusive partnerships of this nature allow for credible endorsement of world class sports brands, demonstrated use of the brand at the HPC and beyond this roll out further shared exciting joint ventures and activations with Brand ID.
Equally excited about this partnership is the CEO of the HPC, Toby Sutcliffe who said that "teaming up with a Company like Brand ID was an easy decision, based on our professional relationship we have built up with Speedo over the past few years. The range of products is a perfect fit with what we are offering our athletes on a daily basis and already our Olympic Gold Medal Rowers, our top athletes, swimmers and triathletes have all reaped the rewards of being associated with some of these exciting, innovative and Lifestyle brands. With the Olympic Games in Rio only just over a year off we are truly excited of what we, with Brand ID and their portfolio of brands, will be able to deliver to our high performance athletes in the lead up to and during the games."
Friday, March 27, 2015
Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon to run via Ou Kaapse Weg
After weeks of intense discussions and close collaboration with the City of Cape Town and key stakeholders, it was confirmed that the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon route will run along the detour route of Ou Kaapse Weg.
The recent devastating fires that raged along Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, caused significant damage to Chapman’s Peak’s fragile vegetation. Since the fire, the section of the pass most affected (between Noordhoek to the top lookout point) has been closed regularly due to high winds and threatening rock falls.
“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” says Carol Vosloo, general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “We are responsible for every single runner on Race Day, so all decisions were made with this in mind.”
“We remained hopeful that Chappies would be available to us until the very end. But it became clear that the extent of the damage done to the mountain, coupled with the vulnerability of the mountain pass to weather changes, would hold a significant safety risk for our runners and volunteers.
“It was simply a risk we were not willing to take, and we have always been very clear in our intention to place participants’ safety at the forefront of all planning.”
It isn’t the first time that the Ultra Marathon has run over Ou Kaapse Weg.
“Ou Kaapse Weg as a detour route is not a new concept to us, and our team can now move forward to make the necessary logistical changes to facilitate this change,” Ms Vosloo adds.
This detour route was used for four years between 2000 and 2003, when Chapman’s Peak was originally closed while the tunnels and catchment nets were being constructed.
The Ou Kaapse Weg detour route starts in Main Road, Newlands, and takes runners along the scenic South Peninsula route, through Fish Hoek and into Kommetjie. But, instead of heading towards Chapman’s Peak, runners will turn towards and over Ou Kaapse Weg, from where they will run along the leafy Spaanschemat River Road. They will then join the Half Marathon route at the Ladies Mile / Parish Road intersection before heading onto Southern Cross Drive to follow the Half Marathon route along Rhodes Drive and the M3 back to UCT.
The distance remains the same.
“Although it is disappointing that the Ultra Marathon will not traverse Chappies, a ‘certain’ race over Ou Kaapse Weg is preferable to one that may be interrupted if routed over Chapman’s Peak Drive,” Ms Vosloo concludes.
Record-breaking R1-million bonus stands
Despite the route change, Old Mutual’s R1-million bonus remains in place, rewarding the winning male and female runners who respectively breaks the 56km Ultra Marathon record.
The men’s record of 3:03:44 was set in 1988 by road running legend Thompson Magawana, while Frith van der Merwe set the women’s record a year later in 1989 when she ran 3:30:36.
This will be the 16th year that Old Mutual sponsors this prestigious road race.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathons are scheduled to take place on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015. Some 27 000 runners are expected to participate in the event that is globally known as the world’s most beautiful marathon.
For more information, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za. Runners can also join the online conversation on www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon, @2OceansMarathon on Twitter and Instagram (and by following and using the #OMTOM2015 hashtag).
SA Track Champs showdown attracts track cycling cream
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| Craig Dutton/Gameplan Media |
Central Commissioner for track cycling in Gauteng and member of the organising committee, Angela Scullard, is hoping that the event draws the best in South Africa to Johannesburg and knows that with the best comes intense competition.
“We are expecting to get the best riders in the country at the national championships in two weeks,” Scullard said. “The likes of Nolan Hoffman and Morne van Niekerk as well as Maroesjka Matthee in the ladies and sprinters like Jean Smith will make the event hugely entertaining and will draw in the crowds due to the high level of competition.”
Cycling SA has allowed provinces, teams and clubs to enter for the team events like Team Sprint and Team Pursuit. At the SA Track Championships, riders will be able to qualify for points for major international competitions.
“The Hector Norris Track is a fast track and we are hoping to see some records broken this year. The last time we had the champs there was in 2007 and there were some records broken so if the conditions are right then we should see records tumble,” said Scullard.
“Hosting the event in Johannesburg does bring with it the difference in conditions compared to the rest of the country. The conditions will play a role for a number of the riders that are coming to the Highveld from the coast.”
Tsogo Sun bets on SA’s oldest sprint race
One of South Africa’s top horseracing events and the only sprint event with four Grade 1 races in one day has been given a major boost by virtue of Tsogo Sun adding its name and prestige to the event – the Tsogo Sun Sprint – scheduled to be held on 23 May 2015 at Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg.
First run in 1962, South Africa’s oldest, biggest and richest sprint event, previously known as the Golden Horse Sprint, is one of the six top race days held annually in South Africa and is this year offering over R3 million in prize money.
“Tsogo Sun has been a partner to the Golden Horse Sprint for 14 years and is now taking its support to a new level by changing the name to the Tsogo Sun Sprint,” says Jacques Booysen, MD of Tsogo Sun, who explains that Tsogo Sun’s Golden Horse Casino holds the enviable position of being the only casino in Africa to be located on a racecourse.
“We’re excited about this new strategic direction that is seeing the group ‘adopt’ key sporting events to the extent of taking on the naming rights to the event. We believe this is a win-win partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg that will see the Tsogo Sun Sprint being elevated by the opportunity to leverage the Tsogo Sun brand, as well as for the group, which is extending its reach into the thrilling and fast-paced world of horseracing. In fact, this was an opportunity not to be missed as we recognised that changing the name would raise the profile of the casino, the group and the city.”
Last year the group launched its headline sponsorship of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Cycle Challenge in Durban, which heralded a new beginning for both brands. It was the first time that Tsogo Sun embarked on a title sponsorship and it was a clear indication of Tsogo Sun’s belief in the cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to its target market.
“The Tsogo Sun Sprint also holds great potential for growth and we trust that our partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg will give the event the opportunity to expand beyond its sound foundation to one that appeals to a far wider audience among horseracing enthusiasts and entertainment-seekers all over the country,” Booysen adds. The race day will be marketed by Tsogo Sun in nine provinces for the first time, through all Tsogo Sun casinos, on every casino floor and in every hotel room, and on TV and radio.
Graeme Hawkins, Racing Director of Gold Circle Horseracing and Betting, says that the significant investment by Tsogo Sun will give the Tsogo Sun Sprint a much-valued boost in terms of positioning Pietermaritzburg as a horseracing destination in South Africa. “Scottsville is a lovely track steeped in tradition, and we believe this new partnership with Tsogo Sun in a top event on the horseracing calendar will bring the horseracing aficionados flooding in to experience the thrills and highlights of the day. We’re extremely grateful to Tsogo Sun for coming on board and we trust this will be a worthwhile relationship for the group for many years to come,” Hawkins adds.
Tsogo Sun’s partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg began in 2014 when the City participated in the race for the first time. The city’s objective is to support an event that takes place in the heart of the city and has the potential to bring footfall into Pietermaritzburg. Mayor of Pietermaritzburg, Chris Ndlela, says the City of Pietermaritzburg is delighted to be a part of the Tsogo Sun Sprint. “We believe that this new alignment with the Tsogo Sun brand will add impetus to the event and will help to position Pietermaritzburg more strongly on the South African map and drive tourism in the area.”
The four Grade 1 sprint races – races with a field of the most elite horses from all around South Africa and offering 1 200 metres of speed, power and skill – include the Tsogo Sun Sprint, an ‘open race’ for both fillies and geldings with a top prize of R1 million; the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion, a race for two-year-old geldings with a prize of R600 000; City of Pietermaritzburg Filly Sprint, for fillies only with a prize of R600 000; the Allan Robertson (founder of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of SA in 1921) Championship for two-year-old fillies with a prize of R600 000; as well as smaller charity and other races.
Tsogo Sun’s vision is to be the premier entertainment destination in the catchment area where its properties are located. Sizwe Jantjie, Tsogo Sun Marketing Manager, says, “The sponsorship of this race strengthens the group’s position as the place to go for entertainment and for creating great experiences. The Tsogo Sun Sprint will be an exhilarating day of pace and power, great style and African flair, as well as a host of added entertainment options.”
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Knox & Evans back for Nedbank sani2c title defence
With little over six weeks to go until the starter’s gun fires and sends participants of the 2015 Nedbank sani2c on their way, defending champions Kevin Evans and Max Knox have confirmed they will be back again in an attempt to retain their title.
The eleventh edition of the hugely popular three day mountain biking stage race from Glencairn Farm in Underberg to Scottburgh Main Beach on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast gets underway on 12 May when the Trail event commences and is hotly followed by the start of the Adventure a day later.
The sport’s racing snakes take to the trails for the first time on Thursday 14 May and will come home in front of a sizeable crowd in Scottburgh on Saturday 16 May with Biogen-Volcan’s pairing of Evans and Knox eager to ensure it is them who reach this point fastest.
“In the ten years of the sani2c’s existence, Kevin (Evans) has won it six times and myself three!” explains 27 year-old Knox.
“There has only been one year since the start of this prestigious race that at least one of us haven’t stood on the podium so it’s definitely a race we enjoy and are keen to do well in again in 2015!”
Knox believes the pair’s unrivalled success at the event means the pressure usually associated with the defending champions label is significantly reduced.
“We’ve won it before and there’s no real pressure for us to get number seven or number four respectively.
“We can afford to a bit more laid back in the build up to this year’s event and let the others worry about the racing ahead of time.
“Come race day, we’ll definitely be looking to defend our title though!”
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| Kyle Gilham/ Gameplan Media |
“My uncle lives in Underberg, my cousins own the local Spar up there, I even spent some of my childhood years living there so to take part in the sani2c and do well in that particular race really means a lot to me!”
“Kev and I have received fantastic support from Biogen, Volcan and a few others so far this season and had a really good start to the year with a couple of positive results.
“Epic unfortunately didn’t go according to plan for us so it really would be a special treat for our sponsors if we were able to get the win at sani(2c) again.”
The experienced marathon racing pair have opted for contrasting Cape Epic recovery regimes in the build up to this year’s sani2c however do not believe this will be an issue given the understanding they have of one another’s racing style.
“We’re both busy recovering from Epic at the moment before Kev then looks to ride the (Old Mutual) joBerg2c with a friend as a training block ahead of sani2c.
“Being ten years older than me, that extra mileage is something Kev has learnt works for him however I know that’s not for me. I’ll just be doing the Ashburton race in Clarens between now and sani(2c).
“Our different approaches aren’t an issue for us; we’ve ridden together many times before and we know each other’s racing styles really well.
“We’re both have quite an aggressive, attacking riding style and mentality we’re also quite similar in that we both really enjoy winning and are super competitive,” adds Knox.
While the likes of Scott Factory Racing powered by LCB’s Philip Buys, Matthys Beukes, Arno du Toit and Gert Heyns, Full Dynamix’s duo of Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker as well as Kargo Pro MTB’s Brendon Davids and Alan Hatherly won’t be on this year’s sani2c start line due to their UCI MTB World Cup commitments, Knox still expects a still challenge at the front of the men’s race.
“Even though some of the cross country specialists will be missing this year, it will still be a great field I’m sure and anyone with a number board on the front of their bike is a competitor you have to worry about; you can’t write anyone off.
“The Epic just showed how much stronger the local mountain biking scene is getting and I’m sure it’s going to be another really tough race at this year’s sani2c!” says Knox.
More information can be found at www.sani2c.co.za
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
2015 Neon Run
It’s the most fun you can have in the dark! South Africa’s electric night-time spectacular has gone national with Neon Run™ 2015 taking place with five fun-filled festivals at major city centres.
Join thousands of runners, joggers and walkers decked out in all manner of glow and neon paraphernalia as they complete the course and manoeuvre through glow stations before celebrating at the post-race party with a dazzling laser light show.
The Neon Runs take place in the following South African centres:
11 April – Port Elizabeth, St George’s Park
18 April – Cape Town, Kenilworth Race Course
25 April – Bloemfontein, Chevrolet Park
9 May – Durban, Sun Coast lawns, Sun Coast Casino
16 May – Johannesburg, Wanderers Stadium
Performing will be some of South Africa’s top musicians and DJs.
5FM’s Nick Hamman will serve as master of ceremonies for all five neon events with Cape Town based DJ Chris Taylor – known for playing uplifting progressive house and electro – as resident DJ for Neon Run South Africa™. 5FM DJ Vic Naidoo will appear in all five cities; Roger Goode will take to the stage in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg and DJ Fresh will appear in Bloemfontein and Durban.
Also on the line-up are explosive electro-swing act Goodluck (Port Elizabeth); Grassy Spark with their unique fusion of ska-blend and other genres (Cape Town); Sama winning house band Mi Casa (Cape Town and Johannesburg);
Afrikaans kwela folk artist Oros in ‘n Lang Glas (Bloemfontein); rock 'n roll and Indie Kwela pop band Desmond & the Tutus (Bloemfontein and Durban); electro, rock, dance, folk and hip-hop group iScream & the Chocolate Stix (Durban); Rubber Duc (Johannesburg) with their folk-swing-hop sound and The Illustrators (Johannesburg).
Gates open at 15h00 with music throughout the event while the race starts at 18h30.
A beer tent and food stalls are available.
The cost is R250 per person, under 11s play R90 while if four people or more book the price is R200 a person. Every ticket includes entry into race, the music festival, glow sticks and an official Neon Run head band.
People purchasing tickets for Neon Run™ will have the option of donating money to the Neon Run™ Fire Fighters & Victims Aid Fund. This voluntary donation can be anything from R1 upwards, which will go directly to the fund, and will be added onto the cost of the original ticket.
The 2015 tour includes more UV, neon paint, graffiti walls and lasers than ever before with participants at each event in line to win amazing prizes including the use of a Mitsubishi car for a year. Those Discovery members taking part also get Discovery points.
Partners for Neon Run South Africa 2015 include 5FM, Discovery Vitality, Flying Fish, Four Fire, Lorna Jane, Medal Paints, Mitsubishi Motors, Nu Tickets, Orbit, Planet Fitness and Thirst.
Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup to meet winter clothing needs of over 2 200 Diepsloot children
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Children of Diepsloot will be the main beneficiaries of this year’s prestigious Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup amateur golf tournament, which will be played on Monday 20 April at the Country Club Johannesburg, on both the Woodmead and Rockland Courses.
The tournament represents the South African leg of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, which is played annually in 10 different countries with the aim of raising funds to benefit children and young people in need.
“Tsogo Sun is proud to have been associated with the Duke of Edinburgh Cup for more than 10 years and it has always been a highlight on our annual calendar. Over the years we have raised a considerable amount for underprivileged children – and we look forward to the contribution we will make to children’s lives this year through the tournament,” says Noëleen Bruton, Group Marketing Director of Tsogo Sun.
More than 2 200 children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 at Muzomuhle Primary School, Diepsloot’s oldest and largest school, will benefit from funds raised through the charity-driven golf tournament this year. Tsogo Sun is handing over 2 200 anoraks, 400 pairs of school shoes and 300 school jerseys to help see the children through the winter months. “Many of these children go to school without either shoes or jerseys so we worked in partnership with the school to identify each child’s greatest needs,” says Bruton.
Unlike previous years, this year’s tournament was not made available to the public to purchase fourballs, but is by invitation only, giving Tsogo Sun the opportunity to thank their loyal and supportive card members. The winning pair from each of the two golf courses will qualify for one of amateur golf’s most coveted prizes – an invitation to participate in the exclusive Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2015 World Finals in England.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Championship is a truly memorable experience for everyone who participates – and this year we are delighted to directly impact over 2 200 school children by donating much-needed shoes and warm clothing,” says Bruton.
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