Entries open for Tambo Liberation Walk
Entries to the fourth annual Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 4, are now open and, for the first time, the race will take place at the Dries Niemandt Precinct, in Kempton Park.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), home to the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk in association with OR Tambo International Airport and the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation will, on the day, officially kick off the Tambo month celebrations – which take place in October.
The Liberation Walk is held annually during the first weekend of October and celebrates the life of two of Africa’s most famous freedom fighters, Oliver Reginald and his wife, Adelaide, Tambo.
It embodies the ideals of unity and patriotism, which are strongly associated with the stalwarts’ legacy.
Oliver and Adelaide’s commitment towards education also resonates with the recurring theme for the walk, which is “Education Liberates”.
What makes this year’s event special is the fact that it coincides with the celebration of the country’s 20 years of democracy.
According to the Ekurhuleni executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, the EMM is honoured and privileged to be associated with such a great leader and to host this important event.
“The whole country owes it to this great man to make the Liberation Walk a resounding success and we are confident that South Africans from all over will, this year, take part in this auspicious activity, as the country celebrates 20 years of democracy and the leaders who made it possible,” said Clr Gungubele.
Mr Mavuso Msimang, the CEO of the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, believes the Liberation Walk is all about making sure that the plight for education for all is highlighted and the story of 20 years of democracy is told.
“This is what ultimately makes this walk stand out above the rest, as it also recognises the efforts of the freedom fighters and, at the same time, promotes the humanitarian values of giving back to the community,” he said.
The 2014 event consists of a 21.1 kilometre run, a 10 kilometre walk and a 5 kilometre fun walk.
The total value of this year’s prizes is estimated at R150 000 and proceeds from the event will benefit charities in underprivileged communities.
Ms Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, the communications and brand management manager at OR Tambo International Airport, said the airport is proud to be a partner in this initiative.
“The walk bodes well for OR Tambo International Airport for two main reasons; firstly, our airport is named after the great Oliver Reginald Tambo and, as such, we are honoured to be commemorating his legacy,” she said.
“As an airport, one of our social economic development focus areas is education and we believe that the proceeds of the walk will be well placed to fast track education in some of South Africa’s underprivileged communities.”
The half-marathon run will kick off at the airport and end at the Dries Niemandt Precinct, while the 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre walks will remain within the precinct.
Entries for the walk are open online at www.entrytime.co.za
Medals and goodie bags will be awarded to all finishers and winners will receive a complimentary foot massage.
