Dragon Boat Race a raging success

THE event hosted by SOJO and Golden Dragon Boat Club at Old Ouens Pub and Sports Bar at Wemmer Pan Lake on October 19 was buzzing with residents from all over Johannesburg and as far as Rustenburg.

A special tribute was held in honour of Rachel Katz from Reach for Recovery who passed away earlier this year after a recurrence of cancer at the event aimed at fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Speaking about Rachel Katz Gauteng Reach for Recovery Committee member, Cherry Hart said: “She passed on this year as she had bilateral mastectomies, Rachel was a member of our organisation and she was amazing.”

SOJO won the number one spot, beating enthusiasts who had their hearts set on being the 2013 winner. Excitement was the main ingredient that energized the teams which included Reach for Recovery, Weir Minerals, Sojo, DA team, Sign Man, TUPA, Nu Debt and others.

“The DA team were definitely the loudest and should be awarded the spirit award. The regulars were Weir Minerals, Reach for Recovery and SOJO, with SOJO team winning the event for the 3rd year running! Weir Minerals came second and Sign Man came in third. Well done to the SOJO team which is made up of different people each year who get together to have fun. Special acknowledgement to Reach for Recovery who traditionally come last but this year they beat the DA team,” explained SOJO CEO Nicky Vakaloudis.

Unfortunately, Caxton team could not participate in the event although members attended to show support to cancer survivors, Reach for Recovery and the overall sporting event.

The safety of rowers was ensured by the City of Johannesburg’s Joint Operations Committee (JOC) which gave the final approval for the event to go on and SOJO received all thumbs up from JOC for security and they were ‘ready to rock and roll.’

Reportedly, JMPD and City Parks caused a stir as attendees arrived to enjoy themselves at the Spring Festival when they allegedly started issuing parking tickets to the public who arrived early to enjoy the day’s activities.

“This fiasco chased away a good number of spectators and caused irrefutable damage to the event, which is held to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness and the general upgrade of this precinct,” said Nicky.

Although there were a few glitches experienced with EMS, SAPS and JMPD, the event was a success and achieved the main objective of the race.

“However, not all was sour lemons as bouquets of thanks need to go to PIKITUP for providing litter bins, EMS Pier department for the bicycle medics, the Red Ants for the portable loos, the jumping castle sponsored by Stallion and the SAPS Water Wing team for ensuring safety on the water. The ladies from Bialla Morena Belly Dancing Studio and Elvis entertained the spectators and brought some colour and cheer to the day,” added Nicky.

She also gave thanks to the Old Ouens Sports Bar and Social Club for providing the use of the venue and facilities, service providers, entertainment and to Ward Councillor Bev Turk for speaking positive words of encouragement to the community.