Howick – Every mother taking part in the Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival, the largest of its kind in the country, can look forward to being pampered and spoilt on Sunday 11 May as the event’s title sponsors celebrate the festival returning to its traditional Mother’s Day slot on the MTB calendar.
With Sappi’s generous support, every mom in attendance of the event’s third and final day on Sunday 11 May can look forward to a free pedicure and massage.
“I think it’s fair to say that most of us are extremely grateful for what our moms do for us and the hard work they put in behind the scenes, supporting us through thick and thin,” said Sappi Group Head: Corporate Affairs, Andre Oberholzer.
“Mother’s Day is just one opportunity annually for us to take a second and say ‘thank you’ for all that our moms do and as a part of Sappi’s ‘thank you’ to all moms attending the Sappi Karkloof Classic, we are delighted to offer the a moment to put their feet up and have us run around them for once,” he added.
Umhlanga based skin and body experts MEG will be responsible for the de-stressing and spoiling on the day and mothers will find the stand in the main race village at Karkloof Country Club.
In a further showing of their support of not only the riders that support the event, but the local community as well, Race Director Andrew Nicholson recently confirmed that a portion of the profits raised from the event will again go towards the Karkloof Conservation Centre and other local initiatives.
“A portion of the money raised by the weekend’s activities are used for the maintenance and running of the Karkloof Country Club,” said Nicholson.
“Looking after the environment, particularly within the Karkloof region itself, is something we as an event as well as Sappi, our title sponsor, are hugely passionate about though and it’s great to be able to support an initiative like the Karkloof Conservation Centre.
“We also offer support to local schools as well as the Howick Hospice however we are particularly proud of the income we can provide to the previously unemployed in the region through our trail building efforts.
“Providing the locals, some of whom have previously had to shut down their small businesses, with the opportunity to earn an income again is very important,” he added.
The economic impact of the event is one of many positive spin offs the event creates for the Karkloof area, one that is heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism.
“Tourism KZN’s economic impact assessment of last year’s event indicated that the economic impact of the Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival on the Karkloof region was in excess of R2,250,000.00!” said Nicholson. “This obviously has a major impact on all the local bed and breakfasts, restaurants, etc.”
Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event’s Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More info can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za
Source: Gameplan Media
