Big Walkers Open Their Warm Hearts to Charity | Western Cape Government

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Big Walkers Open Their Warm Hearts to Charity

12 November 2012

Thousands of participants in the Discovery Cape Times Big Walkput their tekkies on to support local charities in one of Cape Town’s largest community participation events on Sunday, 11 November 2012.

The walking race was hosted by Discovery, Cape Times, and other sponsors. Various walkers chose one of 11 different routes – the shortest being a mere 5km and the longest all of 80km. The proceeds will go to this year’s main designated beneficiary charities: the Steenberg Foundation, Nazareth House and the Breast Cancer Foundation.

There were start and finish lines all over the Mother City, from the flats of Gugulethu to the coastlines of the Cape Peninsula and from the lush Southern Suburbs to the hustling, bustling city centre.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer and employees of the Western Cape Government walked the 10km route together. Dr Meyer urged his fellow participants to have fun, make new friends and build bridges.

He said the Western Cape Government encourages every citizen in the province to choose healthy living as a viable lifestyle option. “The Big Walk provides opportunities for this, and it also creates space for people of all ages, all backgrounds, across genders and generations to engage in a healthy family-orientated activity that builds social inclusion.”

This year’s race attracted about 33 000 participants, and made a significant contribution to the Western Cape’s sport tourism industry. The mild weather made the walk pleasant, and created a great atmosphere. Event organiser Ms Tania Carolus said the Big Walk has received international attention, as could be seen by the many foreigners taking part. There were no serious injuries during the race.

Thousands of walkers made use of trains to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travelling. The Head of Marketing and Promotion of Metrorail, Ms Daphne Kayster, thanked the walkers for using public transport. It is evident that the event brought people of Cape Town together to put their best foot forward for charity.

Media Enquiries: 

Henry Paulse
Sport Promotion: Major Events
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9626
E-mail: Henry.Paulse@westerncape.gov.za