SOUTH Africans will once again unite as a nation taking part in the second edition of Unite2.0.
The first successful event was launched in 2013 when the Springboks took on Argentinia, and Bafana Bafana played against Italy at the FNB stadium. Some 90 000 spectators came out to support their national teams as a symbol of unity.
“Sport brings a nation together, and that is what this event is all about,” said Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula on Sunday September 28, when the launch of the second edition took place at Loftus Versfeld.
“This is all about building a healthy sport loving nation and sport brings the people of the nation together.”
In the second edition the spectators will be the participants. Unite 2.0 is all about the nation participating together in two sporting codes, cycling and running.
On Saturday November 22 South Africans will take to the streets of Tshwane in honour of the much loved global icon, the late Nelson Mandela. In 2013 it was all about the national teams in action, but the ball is now in the hands of the spectators.
Spearheaded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Arts and Culture, the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day will be held to demonstrate the depth of South Africans’ commitment to the late President Nelson Mandela’s vision of sport and culture as a nation builder and a unifying force for a cohesive society.
With its aim to mobilise the youth, Unite 2.0 is a call to action for South Africa’s youth, as the generation charged with living the Mandela Legacy, to unite in building a brighter future for all.
In partnership with Cycling SA and Athletics SA, Unite 2.0 proudly announces two new sporting codes as the focus for the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day. The day’s sporting events will feature a cycling race, a road running race, a run/walk race, and a fun walk, which will precede a cultural program, that will include a music concert featuring SA’s icons in the entertainment sector, to be announced by the Minister of Arts and Culture at another date.
Unite 2.0 calls upon cyclists, runners, artists, corporates, charities, friends and family to #Run or #Ride as we #unite4mandela.
In remembrance of the 67 years Mandela devoted to social activism the 67km cycling race will start and finish at the Union Buildings, with the route passing by many historical landmarks and monuments. There will be cash prizes for the top finishers for all events.
The winners of the 67km cycling road race will receive R100 000, while the charity of their choice receives R50 000 in each category of male and female.
The 27km Road Running challenge winner will also win R100 000, while the charity of their choice receives R50 000. The distance of this race is in commemoration of the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.
The 9.4km Road Running/Walking Events are in remembrance of the 94 years of Madiba’s life. Winners from the running event will receive R25 000, while the charity of their choice receives R15 000.
The 9.4km Walking event winner will receive R15 000, with R7 000 going to charity of their choice.
Registration for all of these events is now open, and you can sign up online: www.unite4mandela.co.za
Registration Fees:
67km Cycle: R250
27km Run: R70
9.4km Run: R50
5km Fun Walk: R40
For more information contact: www.unite4mandela.co.za
