A brand new laptop is up for grabs for the high school with the most pre-entries in the SPAR Women’s Challenge on May 5, while R2 500 will go to the primary school that gets an “A” for its involvement.
Those who have left school need not feel neglected as the company with the most entrants will leave the race R2 500 richer.
Lawson Brown has had a stranglehold on the high school challenge and aims to maintain its top spot with an eye on adding the Core Technologies laptop to its growing computer lab.
Teacher Natasha Swartz said the school usually fielded about 400 to 500 entrants, which also included past pupils, staff and parents.
To raise interest among pupils, Swartz said the teachers traditionally staged a fun “road show” prior to the event. “Male teachers put on their SPAR Women’s Challenge t-shirts and parade as drag queens for the rest of the school.”
All participating learners, including boys in drag, leave school early on the Friday before the race.
Erica, the winner of last year’s primary school challenge, is equally determined to keep ahead of its competition.
Renate Clench, a teacher at the all-girls’ school, said the class that brought in the most entries – which included accompanying mums, aunts and grannies – were allowed to wear civvies for a day, while the pupil who brought in the most would be rewarded with a meal at a fast food outlet of her choice.
While the youngsters will be taking part in the 5km event, a number of Erica teachers and parents are gearing up for the 10km event. “The girls love seeing their teachers participating.
“The main event is open to women aged 15 and older while any person over the age of nine may enter the shorter distance,” said SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Martin Webber.
“It’s always great fun for the whole family and the best part is that it’s for a very worthy cause,” he said, referring to the event’s main beneficiary, the Yokhuselo Haven for victims of domestic violence.
The haven’s senior supervisor Lindsay Ziehl said it was heart-warming to see schools getting involved in the race and understanding what the day was all about. “The fight against domestic violence starts with our children.”
Total prize money for SPAR Eastern Cape’s flagship event, now in its 19th year, exceeds R25 000.
Get an entry form from any SUPERSPAR, SPAR and KWIKSPAR store or enter online at www.spar.co.za until April 28.
Alan Straton
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