Sports heroes walk against Aids
Thabiso Mphelo
3 November 2008
A host of South African sporting heroes will begin their annual Walk Against Aids campaign on Monday, 17 November. Johannesburg residents have been invited to join in for the first 10 kilometres of the walk, which ends in Kimberley in the Northern Cape on 1 December, World Aids Day.
The Sport Heroes Walk Against Aids campaign was initiated in 2002 by SABC sports presenter Cynthia Tshaka. It is a non-profit organisation of sports players who want to get involved in the fight against HIV/Aids.
"The main objective of this campaign," says Tshaka, "is to use sport as a tool to change people's lives and to raise funds to support those who are infected and affected."
R5-million raised
To date the project has raised a total of R5-million which has been divided between various hospices in the country, Tshaka explains. Funds are raised throughout the year from corporate South Africa and Sport South Africa.
Among the sporting heroes taking part this year are former world boxing champions Baby Jake Matlala and Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, marathon runner Willie Mtolo, former Springbok wing Khaya Malotana, former Banyana Banyana captain Desree Ellis and fellow footballers Veronica Phewa and Janine van Wyk, karate champion Artulu Ballosini, cricketer Daleen Terblanche, and Tshaka herself.
She says the heroes will walk to all nine provinces, encouraging young South Africans to take part in sport by holding clinics for different sporting codes.
HIV Aids testing
"During these activities, mobile testing stations are available for those who are willing to be tested," Tshaka says.
"We also identify needy Aids hospices or homes with the help of local government and supply them with the necessary tools and equipment they need to fight the epidemic. They do not receive assistance in the form of money, but we purchase what they need on their behalf."
The walk starts at Maponya Mall in Soweto at 7am on Monday, 17 November and ends in Kimberley on 1 December, World Aids Day.
15 towns
The sporting heroes will walk at least 10 kilometres a day and visit 15 towns in the Northern Cape.
In addition to the walk, the organisation is hosting a fundraising dinner on Thursday, 6 November at Gallagher Estate. Tables, each seating 10 diners, are available at R20 000.
Bookings can be made with Cynthia Tshaka on 011 476 9475 or via e-mail at ctshaka@zonkeeandp.co.za. The e-mail address is protected from spam bots and JavaScript is needed to view it.
For people wanting to make a contribution, donations can be made to Standard Bank, account number 003 275 450, branch code 006305.
Source: City of Johannesburg
