Dambusters set to smile all way to bank in Mile

TOP prizes are up for grabs for top swimmers at this year’s Merrifield Mile, powered by feature sponsor Nedbank, taking place at Wriggleswade Dam on Sunday.

Generous sponsors have lined up to ensure winners in their categories are handsomely rewarded, either in cash or vouchers.

This year, Nutriwell has generously donated R8 000 in cash prizes for the winners in the 500m Dash and 1.6km Mile event. The overall winning male and winning female in the Mile will receive R2 000 each, and the runners-up will receive R1 000 each. In the Dash, R500 will be awarded to the overall senior man and woman winner, and R500 each to the overall junior girl and boy winner.

“This is a real incentive for competitive swimmers to take part in this year’s Merrifield Mile,” event organiser Tracey Mangold said.

“To walk away with cash earned for their efforts is a great drawcard, and we urge our fastest entrants to get in the water and take a shot at these prizes.”

In addition to the fastest man and woman in the water, category winners will also receive prizes in vouchers to the value of R500.

These vouchers have been sponsored by Vincent Park Shopping Centre and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

There are also two prizes for the school with the most entries, both at primary and high school level.

“We want to thank our sponsors for being so generous this year, recognising the value in partnering with us to make this, the 15th Merrifield Mile, the best one yet,” said Mangold.

It is not only the speedsters who stand a chance of striking it big on the day.

Sponsors have donated prizes for the lucky draw that will take place at prize-giving after all the events have been completed. These include travel vouchers to the value of R2 000 sponsored by Kat Leisure and Let’s Travel, a bicycle sponsored by Cycle HQ, and various hampers from other sponsors.

“It certainly pays to get in the water and take part, not only for the stunning T-shirt given out to all entrants, but also for a chance to win a lucky dip. I, for one, am feeling lucky,” Mile entrant, Taralyn Mclean said.

There are three events on offer – the flagship 1.6km Mile, the 500m Dash, and the Spur Splash for children under the age of nine. Entries are open and available online at www.merrifieldmile.co.za, and can also be done at Cycle HQ, Sportsmans Warehouse and at Merrifield School.

Online entries close at noon.

Swimmers can register and enter at the school on Saturday, between 9am and 1pm, and at the dam on the day, but will pay a late entry penalty.

Entries cost R110 for the Dash and the Mile, and R80 for the Splash, or R150 late entry.

Swimmers receive a T-shirt, swimming cap, timing chip and goody-bag.

Wriggleswade Dam is located 65km outside East London off the N6, and swimmers and spectators should aim to arrive around 9am, with the events starting from 11am.

Bring family, friends, goggles, a costume and sunscreen.

The region’s premier longdistance swimming extravaganza is organised and hosted by Merrifield Prep School and College.

For more info visit: www.merrifieldmile. or call the school on (043) 748-6094. tomorrow