Fun in the Kenilworth sun
The Western Cape Bookmakers Association held their annual Christmas Fun Day at Kenilworth Racecourse on Monday. General Manager Dean Finder declared the event an ‘enormous success’, adding that the spirit of co-operation amongst various stakeholders in horseracing was heartening.
“The success of a day of this nature is dependant on the assistance of various strategic stakeholders. The buy-in of various sponsors is the key to future growth. And I spoke to Phumelela CEO Rian du Plessis who indicated his support early on. Phumelela’s Clyde Basel and Faeeza Heuwel, and Micaela Cross of Kenilworth Racing also couldn’t do enough for us too in terms of hospitality. Then Hassen Adams agreed to lay on a sumptuous lunch courtesy of Burger King and longstanding owner Ashraf Mohamed donated ice cream. I am touched by the kindness and generosity and I feel it is times like these that bring out the very best in everybody, no matter any real or perceived differences that may exist in the commercial world,” said Finder.
The event was attended by the CEO of the Gambling & Racing Board, Dr M Matsapola and Board member Derrick Fredericks.
Paralympic swimmer Achmat Hassiem was the guest speaker on the day and he regaled the children with stories of his life following the loss of his leg in a horrifying shark attack off the coast of Cape Town eight years ago, after he lured the Great White away from his younger brother.
Since 2009 the WCBA have, in association with the Khula Development Group, hosted the annual Christmas Fun Day for a cross-section of underprivileged children from local communities.
The event forms the major thrust of their community social investment.
Khula is a community based programme with a vision to provide sustainable support to out-of-school children and their families, with the ultimate goal of getting these kids back into the school system, for as long as possible.
The day is funded by the WCBA member base and has grown exponentially over the past five years to hosting 100 children.
