Tracey van den Dool, organiser of the event is inviting local businesses and individuals to enter this unique fundraising event. “You adopt little yellow rubber duckies for the day and the ducks are then released into the Letaba River for the race. A wooden duck is also given to each entrant to decorate and dress up for a parade at Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre on February, 23,” Van den Dool explains. “The most important component is ensuring all our orphaned duckies are adopted. There are 1000 of the little yellow four-toed waddles. Yes, there are four toes, we checked,” says Van den Dool.

Proceeds of the duck race will go towards the Warriors Foundation Scholarship Programme, a registered non-profit organisation, to assist students who meet the criteria and cannot afford to attend the Warriors’ gap year programme by providing the finances and support needed. She adds that on the day there will be ducky marshals to ensure that no duck is left behind should a ducky get stuck on the banks of the river. Prizes will be given to the best-dressed wooden duck, the ducky winning the race downriver, and the group that raises the most funds for the foundation.

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“We know how competitive our local businesses are and their suppliers too. Our challenge to you is to adopt as many of these poor lonely ducklings and raise a challenge to your competitors and suppliers to equal or better your adoptions,” says Van den Dool. “The Warriors Foundation was founded by the Viljoen family and born out of the work done through the Warriors Academy which focuses on the personal development and growth of young people through adventure and experiential learning,” says Van den Dool.

According to Van den Dool, the cost for one student to attend the Warriors’ gap year programme is estimated at R180 000. Prizes include a river rafting trip on the Orange River for two people and a two-night stay at the Ranch Hotel and many more. To enter your duckies in the race or to get involved by sponsoring a prize for the event, contact Van den Dool at 083 968 0902. Read more about the Warriors Foundation at www.warriorsfoundation.org.za or www.warriors.co.za.