Hansa Powerade Drak Challenge Media Release

 No: drak0802

13 Feb 2008

Sani SPCA set to score at Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge

Underberg – Some of the races real winners will be far away from the clatter of thousands of paddle blades during this years Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge, as the animals cared for by the stretched Sani SPCA will once again benefit from the popular two day canoeing race.

Paddlers can buy a place in the “Drak Batch”, which will include all the paddlers who have completed ten or more races, with the premium going to the Himeville based Sani SPCA.

The limited spaces that can be bought in the “Drak Batch”, which starts just behind the seeded top paddlers, are being snapped up fast as social paddlers show their support for the SPCA, and grab the opportunity to enjoy an unusually early start to the race on each of the two stages.

“We’re grateful for the continued relationship with the Drak Challenge,” said Chris Ingram, the Secretary of the Sani SPCA. “It means a lot to us and we hope to continue our relationship in the years to come.”

“Last year’s donation went towards our ongoing kennel building project and medical facilities to allow us to treat more animals,” added Ingram. “We have also increased our activities in the rural areas, treating farm animals and even some wildlife.”

The Sani SPCA has to service the entire kwaSani municipality, an area of about 1200 square kilometres, with population 14 000 people, with one bakkie, and one field worker/kennel manager.

With the Umzimkulu running at a very high level, at times as high as the much-talked-about flood level experienced on the race’s debut in 1994, entries are pouring into the race office in Underberg.

“Spaces in the Drak batch are very limited, and will be allotted strictly on a first-come-first-served basis,” said Canyon Kayak Club chairperson Patrick Reid. “All the batches are small, especially on the first day, due to the narrow nature of the river.”

“I am confident that all the available spaces in the “Drak Batch” will be quickly taken up, and the Sani SPCA will once again reap the benefits of the paddler’s enthusiasm,” Reid added.

The Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on 23 and 24 February. Normal entries close at 6pm on Thursday 14 February. More information is available on the race website at www.drak.co.za

ENDS

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media