News Clippings
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Embargo : 07 April 2009
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ALL ON TRACK FOR THE ROTARY GREATEST TRAIN RACE AS MAIN SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT IS CONCLUDED
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The sponsorship has been confirmed and the 23rd Rotary Greatest Train Race will be hosted on Saturday, 22 August 2009. This year the race committee is proud to announce a unique equal main sponsorship between coal mining companies Anglo Coal, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa and Optimum Coal.
Notably one of the largest charity events of its kind in the country, the Rotary Greatest Train Race annually sets the stage for significant sponsorship opportunities and community investment. In the race human endeavour is competing with a train drawn by a coal-powered steam locomotive as part of a popular community event, renowned for its festive atmosphere and camaraderie.
The race will again take place between eMalahleni (formerly known as Witbank) and Middelburg, attracted close to 13 000 participants last year. On Saturday 22 August 2009 runners (individuals and teams) will start at Witbank Station at 08:00 and cover a total distance of 28 kilometres. Walkers (individuals and teams) will start at 08:00 at Hermansdal stall and complete a distance of 15 kilometres. The finish line for both walkers and runners is at the grounds of the Steve Tshwete Municipal Offices, where a festive carnival atmosphere will welcome them.
Speaking at the launch of the event, 2009 Race Convenor, John Brislin said: "The financial and logistical support received from our sponsors during the 2008 event enabled us to stage an event that generated more than R650 000 for local community projects. The Rotary Greatest Train Race remains a community investment project driven by the community for the community. We are honoured to have Anglo Coal, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa and Optimum Coal on board as equal main sponsors of the 2009 event."
"Many local organisations and businesses remain committed partners in this event. The Rotary Greatest Train Race adds great value to the lives of those in our community who are less fortunate. We would like to appeal to companies in the surrounding communities to support this fantastic venture," states Brislin.
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities still available for businesses, private individuals and organisations. "Sponsorship of the Rotary Greatest Train Race can provide relevant exposure to local and regional target audiences and is bound to add real value while making a difference to a very worthy cause," adds Breslin. Interested parties can contact the race organisers via e-mail at admin@gtr.co.za or call the race office on 013 243 2253.
The funds generated from this year's event will be allocated to the following beneficiaries:
- Middelburg Care Village;
- The Homes for the Aged in Emalahleni, Hendrina and Middelburg;
- Provision of essential facilities for Rural Schools in the area;
- Middelburg and Whiterose Hospice;
- CANSA;
- Loskop Children's Fund;
- Bambanani Home Based Care;
- Highveld Assistance Group for the Disabled; and
- South African Police Reservists of Middelburg and eMalahleni (Witbank)
The race committee has also elected to support the "Run for a Bible" cause whereby race entrants can voluntarily sponsor a Bible for R25.00.
Entry forms for walkers and runners as well as hospitality site application forms will be available from the end of April at the Middelburg Information Centre and Emalahleni Visitors Information Centre. Alternatively you can visit our official Rotary Greatest Train Race website at www.gtr.co.za. Entries close on
31 July 2009.
For any enquiries contact 086 11 TRAIN (086 11 87246) or e-mail: admin@gtr.co.za.
Don't miss out on the "GREATEST" social and corporate hospitality event of 2009.
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© 2008 Rotary Greatest Train Race. All Rights Reserved.
