“It will be bigger and better!”
That is the word from the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, about the annual Dundee Traditional Horse Riding event.
The big race will again put Dundee on the map. This year will again see a slight departure from where the event is normally held on the last Saturday of racing month of July.
All eight districts in KwaZulu-Natal will participate. Neighboring provinces Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Free State have also participated in the past. Our neighbours Lesotho have confirmed they are coming. They are so keen that they’ll even bring their own media crews, including television.
The main aim of the race is recreational in nature. However, the race is a big economic booster for the region as all bread and breakfast establishments are already fully booked for the weekend.
Traditional Horse Riding had grown tremendously in the province since the intervention and efforts of the Department of Sport and Recreation six years ago. All eight racing districts now have organised leadership structures and race monthly with the support of the department.
Fashion shows have also added more glamour and it very popular especially with large number of young spectators. A major music extravaganza, featuring both popular and local acts, is planned for after the race.
Another new feature this year will be a private marquee, available to members of the public who are not necessarily invited guests but want the same kind of hospitality .The cost will be less than R100.
A street parade through the town by some of the participating horses and jockeys will kick-start the weekend’s festivities on Friday afternoon. The parade will also feature in the Magnificent Fridays Campaign where the province’s celebrities and musicians will interact with the public.
Meanwhile, organisers have promised a green event. This means that waste and other related issued will be managed in such a manger that the environmental protection is prioritised. The Municipality’s Environmental Health Department and the Department of Environmental Affairs will be leading the proceedings.
The details of the race are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 23 July 2011
Venue: Dundee Horse Riding Track (near the airfield)
Race time: 10h00 to 15h00
Entertainment: 15h00-till late
Featured Acts: Professor, DJ Tira, Maskanda & local artists
Entry is free.
For further information on the Games Please contact:
Mr Mike Mthembu
Cell: 083 528 7911
Bheki Ncube
Cell: 082 575 4164
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports and Recreation
Dundee July Horse has arrived
Province
