4 May 2010

Vodacom Durban July support helps SARDA blossom

Durban – An unusual horseracing celebration took place deep in the lush Shongweni valley where the KZN chapter of the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) welcomed a 33% increase in support from the Vodacom Durban July.

The R40 000 donation from the Vodacom Durban July’s title sponsor Vodacom and Gold Circle represented a R10 000 increase. The annual cash injection is used to cover the day-to-day running costs at the horse riding therapy centre that assists children in the greater Durban area deal with their challenges.

“This is such a lifeline for us! This support from Vodacom and Gold Circle is what keeps our disabled school children riding with us,” said SARDA KZN chairperson Fiona Muhl. “Without their backing what we do on a daily basis simply wouldn’t be possible.”

SARDA is a non-profit organization that is run by a group of volunteers trained in the art of equine motion therapy. SARDA continues to produce remarkable results from the work they continue to do with various children with both mental and physical disabilities.

Through equine motion therapy a child’s posture and muscle tone will improve allowing for greater control and movement as well as providing the child with a form of relaxation and stress relief.

Since Vodacom and Gold Circle identified SARDA as an ideal beneficiary from Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the annual cash injection has allowed SARDA to continue running their facilities and various classes at no cost to various disabled schools in the province.

“It is my hope that, with continued support, SARDA continues to grow from strength to strength and is able to offer its therapy to even more children in need,” said Vodacom KZN Managing Executive, Alberts Breed. .

“Gold Circle is thrilled to be involved with this charity which uses horses for a different purpose, and to such remarkable effect,” said Gold Circle Event Marketing Manager, Ken Tweddell.

SARDA has also been able to improve their facilities through additional funds being received in recent years, allowing them to cater for more children, and offer a wider range of support services and therapies.

“I’m totally amazed at how the SARDA facilities have grown and improved over the years,” added Tweddell.

SARDA aims to put any additional funds received towards a cover for one of their riding arenas, which will allow them to continue their classes during rain and extremely hot or humid conditions.

SARDA can be contacted through Tracey Cummings on ridgetop@mweb.co.za.

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 31 July 2010. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za 

2010 Vodacom Durban July theme

"IT’S A BLOOMING GREAT DAY"

Plant a seed of good fortune,
In the garden of your mind.
Gather design, reap style,
Till it’s one of a kind.

Take a chance on wild,
Exotic if you must.
The flowers of our land,
Sub-tropical or dust.

A mixed bouquet,
In the early light of day.
Or maybe one brilliant bud,
Standing proud is the way.

Indigenous is ingenious,
A good bet to be seen.
Recycling’s one way,
Another is ‘think green’.

In a garden of colour,
One contest stands high.
A blooming great race,
The Vodacom Durban July.

The Vodacom Durban July
Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media