Nation unites for Mandela Sports and Culture Day
JOBURG - On 22 November, all the roads will lead to the Union Buildings in Tshwane for the 2014 edition of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day.
On 22 November, all the roads will lead to the Union Buildings in Tshwane for the 2014 edition of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day.
The day’s events will feature a cycling race, a road running/walk race, and a fun walk. The sporting events will be followed by musical entertainment hosted on the lawns of the Union Buildings from 12pm to 6pm.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘One Man One Nation and One Celebration’, Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula said the objectives the day were aimed at “social cohesion, nation building and unity in our diversity”.
“This day was initiated in order to bring South Africans together to demonstrate their depth of commitment to the late President Nelson Mandela’s vision of sports and culture as a nation builder and a unifying force for a cohesive society,” he said.
Spearheaded by the departments of Sport and Recreation and that of Arts and Culture, Mbalula said the day also aimed at mobilising the youth and calling them to action to unite in building a brighter future for all.
In partnership with Cycling SA and Athletics SA, Mbalula announced two new sporting codes as the focus for this year’s events. Relegated from the inaugural event are soccer and rugby, although some of their sporting icons have been made ambassadors of the day.
Among those taking part in the events of the day with Mbalula himself, Deputy President Cyril Ramapahosa said he would take part in one of the events while Mbalula expressed his ambition to ride in the 67km cycling race.
The winners in both the male and female cycling categories will each receive R150 000, second-place male and female riders will receive R100 000 each, while third-place riders will each pocket R70 000. On top of this, the prize winners will each nominate a charity of their own to receive R50 000 each.
The winners of the main event of the 27km road race, in remembrance of the 27 years Madiba spent in prison, will each pocket R100 000 in the two gender categories and they will be able to nominate a charity of their own choice to donate R50 000 to. This race is especially meant for professional runners.
