UK charity event comes to Cape Town

As one of the UK's biggest fund-raising events, the Sport Relief weekend brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. The whole thing kicks-off on Friday, 19 March with all sorts of fund-raising fun at home, at work and at school. Then, on Sunday, 21 March, everyone, celebrities included, is invited to do one, three or five miles and get sponsored for their efforts to help people living unimaginably tough lives.

Small things to make a difference

Comic Relief UK's director of global strategy, Amanda Horton-Mastin, said: “Sport Relief has a great history of thousands of people doing both small and extraordinary things to make the world of difference to those in critical need. We're delighted that, for the first time ever, South Africans will be rising to the challenge alongside their British counterparts and raising money for children in the Western Cape.”

The beneficiary of the inaugural event in Cape Town is Child Welfare SA and all the money raised by the public will go directly to the charity.

Choice of distance

Participants will be able to choose between a one mile (1.6km), three mile (4.8km) or five mile (8km) fun walk or run. Starting from, and finishing at, The Lookout at the V&A Waterfront, the route will take in the magnificent beachfront promenade and will give walkers/runners an upfront look at the glorious new Cape Town football stadium.

Most importantly, Capetonians will be able to celebrate Human Rights Day by giving back and supporting children in need in the Western Cape. Child Welfare is a national structure providing services to over 2 million children, families and care givers annually. Commenting on behalf of the organisation, Professor Dasarath Chetty, the president of Child Welfare South Africa, said: “We would like to thank Sport Relief for choosing Child Welfare as the recipient of this inaugural event. We encourage Capetonians to raise sponsorship and get active, knowing that every step they take will be going to a very good cause.” Funds raised will go towards the CWSA 24-hour child protection programme in the Western Cape, as well as assisting families dealing with the problem of tik drug addiction.

Entry forms

Entry forms are available at various sport stores, CT Tourism offices and all Cape-based Sportsmans Warehouse stores, where you can enter and receive a race pack. The entry fee is R35. Late entries will be done at The Waterfront from 19 to 21 March at a cost of R40.