Neema Foundation for the deaf has officially opened registrations for the highly anticipated 8th Annual #SilentWalk&Run. This event, known for uniting the deaf and hearing communities, is South Africa’s largest and most popular gathering of its kind
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With over 1 500 participants last year, the event is expected to see even greater numbers this year. Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 the #SilentWalk&Run will take place at the Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
The timing of the event aligns with deaf awareness month, aiming to promote the inclusion of the deaf community in mainstream society and raise support for deaf victims of gender-based violence.
The event also coincides with the International Week of the Deaf, commemorating the first world congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in September 1951.
The goal is to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities while promoting understanding of deafness and deaf culture. The #SilentWalk&Run is organised by the foundation in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg.
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It receives support from various organisations, including the Gauteng Department of Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the City of Ekurhuleni, the Safer South African Foundation, and the GBVF Response Fund.
The department’s MEC, Matome Chiloane, expressed his support for the event, emphasising the role of sports in breaking down barriers and fostering unity in the community.
The Gauteng Department of Health will facilitate a health check day during the event, offering deaf participants convenient health screenings with the assistance of sign language interpreters. For the first time, hearing health screenings will also be available for the hearing community.
The event will start at 08:00 to accommodate participants traveling from distant locations. The #SilentWalk&Run 2024 is said to promise an engaging and enjoyable experience, offering opportunities to learn sign language through various activities along the route.
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