Not even sudden load shedding could dampen the spirits on the evening! Middelburg Chamber Auditorium was filled with businessmen, -women and distinguished guests, mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Cllr Mike Masina and the Rotary District Governor Annie Steijn who all came together celebrating the launch of the Train Race.
The main sponsors, Lawrence Maroos from GC Construction and Vusi Zwane from Glencore, signed the sponsorship agreement together with the chairman of the Train Race Committee, Mr Max Köhler.
Köhler explained that although more South Africans have access to social welfare services, electricity and water, 65% are still very poor with 30% being jobless.
“This is the reason why it is so heart warming to be associated with the Train Race, the sponsors and volunteers being involved and making a difference,” Köhler said.
Cllr Masina said that the well planned Greatest Train Race has been a part of the Middelburg community for a long time and will remain a part of the community for many years to come with the full support of the municipality.
There are still a number of opportunities for companies and individuals to become sponsors or volunteers at this great fun event.
The Greatest Train Race will take place on August 22. It starts at Witbank Train Station and finishes at Middelburg Municipality. Entries have already opened. You can choose to take part in the 4.9km, 15km or 28km individual events or the ever popular relay race comprising of five members per team over a 28km distance.
Entries can be submitted online at www.gtr.co.za or by hand at the Middelburg Information Centre in Walter Sisulu Street and the Highveld Mall Info Kiosk in eMalahleni. The race office can be contacted on 086 11 TRAIN (87246) or admin@gtr.co.za.
