April 11, 2005
By Tabisa Mntengwana
GET out for some fresh air and walk or run - whatever suits your style - around Johannesburg's Zoo Lake on Sunday, 24 April 2005 as part of the second annual Water Festival.
The Family Fun Run/Walk for Life is organised by the Zoo Lake Users' Committee Forum, Johannesburg Water and Johannesburg City Parks. The Water Festival runs from 21 April to Freedom Day on 27 April, and the fun walk is just one of the activities planned. It is phase two of Joburg Water's water awareness public education programme to foster a better understanding of water and sanitation issues.
The first phase of the campaign was held during National Water Week from 21 to 27 March, when the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and Joburg Water distributed information brochures and pamphlets around the city.
There will be two categories in Sunday's fun run: over four kilometres or over eight kilometres. Individuals and teams of families or businesses can take part. "The race is there for everyone and we encourage mothers with prams and dogs on leads to be part of this fun-filled day," says Lucy Taylor, the chairman of the Zoo Lake Users' Committee.
Hundreds of people regularly walk around the lake and its grounds. The park is a popular green space for family outings, picnics, walking, jogging and boating.
"The festival is not all about entertainment," says Joe Molema, Joburg Water's corporate social investment officer. "A range of educational activities will also be available to raise awareness and to give people lessons on sanitation and water conservation."
Other events will be aimed at children and corporates. There will be an exhibition by school children as well as games such as mini soccer, volleyball, chess, water drinking, water testing, bucket on the head, and balloon bursting games. On the educational side, the City's water utility will explain its work to promote and build awareness about water and sanitation issues.
Tappie, Joburg Water's mascot, will entertain and educate children while Joburg Water staff will conduct safety and conservation demonstrations. There will also be industrial theatre performances.
Organisers are expecting more than 2 000 participants in the fun walk and an entrance fee of R20 will be charged. Proceeds will go to the Zoo Lake Users' Committee for the maintenance of Zoo Lake and to help fund the committee's events. As part of the fundraising, Moyo Restaurant at the lake will sell special dog biscuits to dog owners.
The big walk starts at 8am and there will be spot prizes, treats for dogs and medals for the first 1 000 participants to reach the finish line.
For more information, contact Lucy Taylor on 011 726 2784 or email her on taylor.fam@pixie.co.za.
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