Young archer takes aim at uplifting Zoo Lake

Young archer and Parkview resident Olufemi Oyeka (12) aims to clean up Zoo Lake and encourages community members to join him in his efforts to educate park visitors to look after this green space.

Olufemi, who has visited Zoo Lake regularly for the past five years said, “I think most people would agree with me that by the end of a weekend, this park looks disgusting because of all the litter left behind. My goal is to raise funds to make Zoo Lake more appealing for locals and tourists and educate users of the park to stop messing up the ecosystem at the park by littering.”

As part of his leadership project at The Ridge School, he is appealing to residents to support this fundraising project through archery – a sport he discovered at Zoo Lake.

He has so far raised R10 000 for the cause and hopes to raise at least R20 000 by the end of the drive in May. He will compete in four events before then, starting with the Gauteng Provincial Championship on 16 March.

Community members can pledge an amount of money which will be donated to the project if Olufemi achieves either a top three finish; a gold, silver or bronze medal, any number of bullseyes or a total competition score of more than 230 in these events.

“Archery is an entertaining and fun sport. I enjoy the bows which are really cool. Unlike guns, they are more elegant and less violent,” said Olufemi.

Coach at Archers of Zoo Lake, Alistair Gordon said, “Olufemi’s project is inspiring. He has come a long way in his archery and hopes to achieve national colours for the sport this year.”

Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group, Fran Haslam said, “I am so touched that a young person can be so caring and forward thinking to make a difference in his community. We want to see how we can work with the City to honour his wishes and use the money to assist in the erosion project and litter drive. I encourage other young leaders and schools to follow in his footsteps.”

Olufemi will work as an ambassador for the park and educate schoolchildren about the harmfulness of littering at Zoo Lake when they visit the park in the afternoons.

To make your pledge in support of Olufemi, email oyeka2006@gmail.com or haslamfran@gmail.com.

Related articles:

Metro police embark on a campaign to educate visitors to the Zoo Lake about by-laws

Heartbreak after 80-year-old tree falls at Zoo Lake due to illegal braaing at the park

ICYMI: Proposed master plan to upgrade and uplift the Zoo Lake precinct