Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk attracts celebrity entries

Amongst those who will be participating in the Walk, which takes place on Saturday, 6 October 2012, are recording artist and TV presenter Stoan Seate, media personality Kass Naidoo, businesswoman Uyanda Mbuli, and TV presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen.

The Liberation Walk has also earned its spot on politicians' social calendars. High-profile public figures who will participate in this worthy cause include Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Max Sisulu and his family, Ekurhuleni Mayor, Councillor Mondli Gungubele and Ambassador Kingsley Makhubela, Director General of the National Department of Tourism.

The theme for this year's Liberation Walk is 'Walk to Educate'. Oliver and Adelaide Tambo were great advocates of education and the role it plays in unlocking doors for young people for a better future. Proceeds from the Walk will go towards improving the infrastructure at Ludeke Primary School in Bizana in the Eastern Cape, where O.R. Tambo started his formal education.

October is 'OR Tambo Month'

October has been named 'OR Tambo Month' in honour of the stalwart's contribution to the liberation struggle. The Walk traces the footsteps of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo in Ekurhuleni, where they spent a great part of their lives.

Talking about his participation in the Walk, recording artist and television presenter Stoan Seate said, "I would like to encourage South Africans to register for the race. The more we participate, the more funds we can generate towards this worthy cause aimed at improving the conditions of learning at the school. I am truly excited to be a part of such a significant initiative."

Organised in partnership between the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, O.R. Tambo International Airport and the City of Ekurhuleni, the Liberation Walk is expected to draw at least 6,000 entries this year. The event includes five- and ten-kilometre walks, and a 21,1km half-marathons, which is a new feature this year. The total prize money for the Walk is R150,000 and the winners of the men's and women's half marathon will each walk away with R15,000.

The Walk starts and finishes at O.R. Tambo International Airport Sports Ground (old Denel Grounds) off Atlas Road, Bonaero Park.

Liberation Walk ambassador, Uyanda Mbuli, says, "It is really an amazing honour to be associated with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk again this year. I encourage every South African during OR Tambo Month to come and join us in celebrating the legacy of our struggle heroes, who were dedicated to making a difference. This is a fun and exciting initiative that will also give people an opportunity to test or improve their fitness levels."

Solomon Makgale, group communications manager of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says, "As one of the key partners of this event, we are very pleased with the progress made so far. By adding the half-marathon and prize money, we are attracting more professional walkers and runners. The proceeds will go towards improving the conditions of Ludeke Primary School, thereby providing a more suitable environment for learning and restoring a site where anti-apartheid struggle icon, O.R. Tambo, started his formal learning."

For those who would like to participate in the Walk, entry forms are available online at www.tamboliberationwalk.co.za or selected sports shops and information points at O.R. Tambo International Airport. To contact the race office, call +27 (0) 11-312-7743.

The Fun Run route.