Pencil these events into your diary right now
August 1
Across the world ocean lovers celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day on the first day of August. This year, marine scientists will join youth groups onshore to explore South Africa’s game reserves of the sea. There will be an Essay and Art Competition for children run by the Youth4MPAs collective, as well as the popular Photo Competition – with new categories for amateur and professional photographers (great prizes!). At 7pm on the day, the MPA Alliance will host a special webinar with five leading South African marine scientists to share the latest research. This year will also see the launch of the Citizen Science initiative which involves public participation and collaboration in scientific research. Everyone is welcome to join in. You can follow them on Instagram @marineprotectedareassa, Twitter @MPAsSA1 or Facebook Marine Protected Areas SA) to learn more about the competitions and events, start a conversation using the hashtags #MPADay #LetsTalkMPAs #MPA #MarineProtectedArea and share what you know with others. Details: marineprotectedareas.org.za
August 5
Fun, faster, family friendly horse racing … yes please! Don’t miss a thrilling series of horse racing under lights at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during August and September. Hosted by Global Team Horse Racing (GTH), the four-week long series is packed with excitement for fans of all ages and set to thrill crowds with two hours of high-octane racing, gripping entertainment and a kiddie’s area for the younger fans, all set right at the track side. The first race meeting debuts on August 5 from 5pm to 8.30pm, followed by meetings on Fridays August 12 and 19 as well as September 2 at the same time. Three teams go head-to-head over four events, but only one team can come out tops. Choose your team, support them, and see who makes it to the final. Tickets, available from tixsa.co.za, are R100 for general access. Kids under 14 enter for free. If going to the venue is not an option, you can watch the event live on SuperSport broadcast from 6pm. Details: gthracing.co.za
August 6
We’re excited! Durban Home Brewers and friends are bringing back Ales for Tails – a fund-raising home brew and spirit festival – to raise funds for the Kloof & Highway SPCA. This is the first year this popular event will be held since lockdown and we’re expecting it to be the best yet. There’ll be more than 30 home-brewed beers and spirit mixers to taste, beer and wine on sale, live entertainment, food stalls and it’s pet-friendly and family-friendly. The event takes place on August 6 from 11am and tickets cost between R50 and R120. Details: webtickets.co.za
August 27
One of our favourites, and a well-loved SA stand-up comic, is back in Durbs! We’ll be heading to catch Barry Hilton live at Spaces at LINC Campus in Salt Rock. It’ll be a night filled with belly laughs. Food and drinks will be sold separately at the venue. Show, on August 27, starts at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) and tickets will cost you R250 each. Details: webtickets.co.za
#SPARVirtualChallenge
The 2022 SPARWomen’s Virtual Challenge has chosen the theme #IRise … reborn, re-energised, refreshed and refilled. They’re challenging you to rise above your challenges, struggles and obstacles that block your path. A virtual challenge is a fitness goal that tasks you to run, jog, or walk your own race, at your own pace. Anyone can participate and it can be completed at any location. Join in on Saturday, September 3, anytime between 6am and 6pm. You’ll need to enter (don’t waste time … entries are limited to 60 000), and your entry fee of R120 includes your Virtual Challenge pack, and for every entry, SPAR will donate a pack of sanitary pads to help keep a girl in school. The Virtual Challenge pack includes a beautiful T-shirt (T-shirt sizes are limited to specific regions and to inventory availability), a gorgeous matching buff, a drawstring bag, a printed copy of the My Virtual Challenge Magazine and your medal. Details and entries: sparvirtualchallenge.co.za
