Elana Afrika is just one of the women who supports – be it running, seconding, cheerleading – the SPAR Women’s Challenge … and the Smile Foundation charity.
On your marks, get set – enjoy yourself! That’s Elana Afrika’s running mantra – which is why she sees every race is an opportunity to embrace that delicious feeling of being in motion, with the sun on your shoulders, and an endorphin boost as a little added extra.
That’s probably why Elana feels comfortable no matter which area of the SPAR Women’s Challenge she’s involved in, whether it’s as a runner, an MC, a cheerleader for those trying to beat their PB, or – as she is this year – an ambassador for the race. “I have the greatest respect for those who collect medals, but for me, it’s always been about the fun of running,” Elana says. She adds that she fell in love with the sport shortly after the birth of her first daughter, Esther Beth, when former South African Olympic medalist Elana Meyer challenged her to try it out.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge means so much more to her than other events she’s taken part in, though. “I wouldn’t be able to support an event that’s all about women upliftment if I didn’t believe in this cause whole-heartedly – which I do. My entire life is about women’s empowerment – I even preach it at home, where I take the time to empower my daughters with affirmations every day. I think that’s imperative, because you can only empower those around you when you have uplifted yourself.” That’s why her status as an ambassador for the race means so much to her … it’s an endorsement of the work she has done to establish herself as a strong, resilient and empowered woman, who is ready to help others step into their own light.
The race’s affiliation with the Smile Foundation, an NGO dedicated to helping children with facial disfigurements like cleft palate, means that it occupies an even more precious place in her heart. “I love that people have dedicated their lives to helping a child smile. I have seen that this is no easy process: the Smile Foundation’s children begin their journey with the organisation with a broken smile; slowly, it heals, and then they can smile completely. The race is exactly the same: For those taking part, the start will be difficult, then they’ll finish, and they’ll be smiling!”
Elana says that the SPAR Women’s Challenge isn’t just for those who like to get a heart rate going. “This isn’t about exercise or fitness. It’s a chance to stand up with other women. We always say that women should be celebrated throughout the year and not only during Women’s Month – this is our opportunity to salute our fellow females, to uplift each other, and to know that we have played a role in our own empowerment!”
The Smile Foundation
In May this year, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi sponsored four essential procedures for children at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg.
The children who received treatment were between 18 months and eight years old. In all likelihood, these procedures would not have been able to be done without the backing of the Smile Foundation, which assists children with facial abnormalities such as cleft lips and palates. The Smile Foundation ensures that children needing these procedures receive the necessary medical attention, regardless of their financial situation.
The partnership between the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi and the Smile Foundation aligns with the theme message of #4Smiles, which aims to create more smiles by assisting those in need. By sponsoring these procedures, the organisation has helped to bring joy and hope to the lives of four children and their families. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility that provides medical care and treatment to children in South Africa. It was established in honour of the late Nelson Mandela, who was passionate about improving the lives of children in his country. Overall, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi has demonstrated its commitment to improving children’s lives in South Africa by partnering with the Smile Foundation and supporting the critical work done at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Through initiatives like #4Smiles, the organisation is helping to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.
Join in a Day of Smiles!
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi 2023 is back and promises to be another spectacular event. Returning to Marks Park, this year’s challenge aims to capture the essence of the community and spread smiles all around. With the campaign theme of #4Smiles, the organisers have chosen a name that perfectly reflects the event’s spirit.
The newly named SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi is set to be a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and, of course, plenty of smiles. As part of the event’s charity initiative, the Smile Foundation will be supported, ensuring that the power of a smile can reach even more children in need.
Get ready to lace up your running shoes, gather your friends and family, and embark on a journey that will leave you with a smile and memories to cherish.
Participants can register online or at selected stores. To stay updated and find important information about the event, keep an eye on the official website www.sparwomensjozi.co.za. There, you’ll find all the latest updates, news, and details you need to make your participation a memorable one.
All the info you need to know
The entry price is R150, which includes a T-shirt, My Jozie Challenge Magazine, a foam peak cap, a medal and a goodie bag at the finish.
The race, at Marks Park in Emmerentia, Joburg, is on October 1, and starts at 8am.
