Birds of a feather and leather swim together

■ Brad Bird

The mighty ducks have arrived in their full unadulterated fabulousness in the store fronts of businesses around Tzaneen. This in preparation of the inaugural Great Letaba Warriors Duck Race set to take place in the mighty Letaba River on the 4th of March.

Driven by Tracey van den Dool in aid of the Warriors Foundation in Magoebaskloof, the idea was born out of the need to sponsor youngsters who can benefit from the gap year program offered at the academy. “I came across the idea when I started looking around for fun and innovative new ways to engage the community, other than golf days which have become exclusive events that attract mostly only golfers,” she explained. “In some areas in the world there are duck races that have up to 250 000 entries on the day!”

The mechanics of this event are simple. There are a thousand rubber duckies. Businesses or individuals buy a duck or ducks, from Tracey. These rubber duckies will be launched into the Letaba River at a designated starting point and “race” to the finish line at Fairview Hotel and Spa in Tzaneen. The ducks that cross the line first are the winners and will receive their prizes accordingly. One of the prizes is a trip for two down the Orange River. Duck sheriffs and duck corporals will be stationed along the route to ensure that all the yellow speedsters don’t lose their way and get stuck somewhere along the course. They will also act as umpires at the finish line. After the race, the river will be swept to ensure that all the ducks are retrieved and that no litter finds its way into the river.

Every business involved in the Great Limpopo Warriors Duck Race received a large wooden Duck Mascot which they were charged with decorating and displaying. The mascots are on display in the business premises and visitors are encouraged to vote for the ducks by placing a R5 coin into the bucket the mascot is perched upon. The mascot with the most votes wins. There will also be a duck parade at Lifestyle Centre before the race where the public can vote for their favourite.

For more information please check out the video interview with Tracey on the Far North Bulletin Facebook page or give her a call on 083 968 0902. Also go and like and follow The Great Limpopo Warriors Duck race on Facebook to stay in the loop.