A fun, healthy day out for a good cause
“I HAVE been running since I was in school and I love participating in this event,” said Subiganiya Samuels, 60.
Samuels has been participating in the big walk for more than 17 years. The 60-year-old, who is a stroke survivor, said the event helped keep her fit.
“I enjoy this event because it’s a benefit for others, as well as for the underprivileged,” Samuels said. She and her daughters took part in the event yesterday.
“It also gives me a chance to spend time with my daughters. They all have such busy lives, so this is a precious time for all of us,” she said.
Samuels was not the only one who participated – Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille also put on her walking shoes and completed 5km.
“This is a healthy lifestyle that we all should live, but as Capetonians we come together to support a good cause,” De Lille said.
Prizes were handed out after the race. The main prize was two airline tickets to Thailand, which included accommodation and breakfast at a resort to the value of R50000.
Kaylin Jooste from Eerste River won that prize, and broke down in tears on stage when she accepted her prize.
“I am so excited I cannot explain it. I haven’t decided who I am going to take with me, they are probably going to fight about that at home later,” Jooste said.
She celebrated her birthday on Thursday last week.
“I am so excited to experience their culture,” she said.
And while families were enjoying celebrations on the sports field in Green Point, attention shifted to a 74-year-old woman who completed the 10km walk in last place.
Mara Alkin, along with her grandson Adam Sonday, came in at 11:57am. Alkin, who struggles to walk, used a walker.
She was also assisted along the way by members of the South African National Zakáh Fund.