28 October 2015 | Volume 9 | Week 44 | Tel: 018 294 3924/17 | northwestindependent@telkomsa.net | Potchefstroom | Gratis • Free
Rotary makes waves at Dragon Boat Festival ¢¢ LYNDLE HAAGNER
T
his past Saturday saw the long-awaited, much anticipated 3rd annual Dragon Boat Festival making waves, literally, with sixteen teams battling it out in the hot, windy conditions, fiercely competing to claim the winning title. The event was hosted by The Rotary Club of Potchefstroom Mooi with the main objective being to promote awareness of cancer and to raise funds in support of credible charities. The competing teams received much support from the crowd, who enjoyed a fun-filled atmosphere while watching the races. Thankfully the weather played along and the rain only fell once the event was over. Amongst the festive crowd was The President of the South Africa Dragon Boat Association (SADBA), Vincent Lin, and the deputy representative of the Taipei Embassy in South Africa, Shih Cheng-Maw, who assisted with the official prizegiving ceremony. Each team competed in a series of knock-out races and the final race saw the teams from Remax and The School of Artillery going headto-head in a race for ultimate victory. Both teams were incredibly strong competitors, but in the end the winning title was claimed by The School of Artillery, who also took home the Team Spirit Cup. Remax came in a close second, followed by BKD Auditors. The winning team was awarded gold medals, the winning trophy and prize money amounting to R10 000. The prize money comprised the team’s R5 000 entry fee, which was matched by the mayor of Potchefstroom, the Honourable Kgotso Khumalo. The winners could then select a charity from a list of credible candidates, identified by The Mooi Rotary,
to donate the prize money to. They decided on The North West Mental Health, a NPO organisation which renders various services to the community, including mental health therapy, counselling, child protection services and support, stress management, trauma counselling, training and social work. Discovery, the official sponsor of the 2015 Dragon Boat Festival, also awarded numerous prizes to the winning team and hosted a lucky draw for a Discovery hamper. Potchefstroom Mooi Rotary told NWI that they wish to extend their gratitude to Bridget Tabudi and Jacques Bothma from Discovery, who helped
to make the event possible. During the proceedings of the day, Prof. Anette Combrink addressed the crowd. A special memorial ceremony saw boats carrying cancer fighters, survivors and their supporters paddling to the center of the dam as the audience scattered flowers into the water. A moment of silence was held to pay tribute to all of those affected by cancer and to those who have lost the battle. “It was one of the most incredible and moving experiences I have ever had. At a stage, everywhere I looked people were overcome with emotion, their eyes filled with tears. An almost divine at-
mosphere surrounded the dam. The cancer ceremony was most certainly the highlight of the day,” says Roland Goldberg, Public Relations Officer of The Potch Mooi Rotary. The day was a monumental success and the Rotarians are already planning next year’s event. Teams who would like to participate in next year’s races should reserve a place as soon as possible as there is limited availability. Kindly contact Johnny Ford (082 804 7835) or Danie De Villiers (072 500 0031) or email them at potchmooidbf@gmail.com to reserve a place for your team at the 2016 Dragon Boat Festival.
Best Quality Chicken, Direct to the Public No additives. No hormones. No brine.
Drumsticks Bulk
@ R38.50/kg (NO INJECTED BRINE)
Cocktail Wings with Masala Sprinkle
@ R61.04/kg
2 and 1/2 Dozen JUMBO Eggs @ R46.60
CHUBBY CHICK OUTLET
Retief Street, Across from P&P Tel/Fax (018) 297 0875 Business hours: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:30 & Sat: 08:30 - 13:30 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
*WHILE STOCK LAST
91 WALTER SISULU STREET - POTCHEFSTROOM TEL : 018 285 74 70
LOOK INSIDE