Words: Kyle Gilham | Photo: Anthony Grote
Shongweni – The Sharks CEO John Smit has voiced his support of the upcoming 2013 Stihl Sharks Trail Adventure which takes place on Sunday 8 December at Summerveld Estate in Shongweni with the former Springbok and Sharks captain urging all of KZN’s outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the day of outdoor adventure, family fun and the festive atmosphere.
Smit, who recently found a love for mountain biking himself, believes the event epitomizes what The Sharks’ brand is all about and hopes thousands of Sharks fans will turn out on the day for yet another memorable day out.
“Coming to Growthpoint KINGS PARK on a Saturday for a Sharks home game isn’t just about the 80 minutes of rugby played on the field but the whole family experience,” said Smit.
“Friends and family braaiing together on the outer fields, kids running around and playing games, everyone having a good time – that’s the kind of environment we’re constantly striving to achieve here at The Sharks and the Stihl Sharks Trail Adventure echoes this ambition perfectly.
“Mountain biking has also grown exponentially throughout South Africa and it has developed a very close affiliation to rugby with many past and present players turning to MTB as a pastime and means of unwinding whilst still enjoying the competitive nature of the sport.
“Therefore, there is a natural symmetry between The Sharks brand and this fantastic mountain biking and trail running experience and I’m sure this year’s event will be a huge success,” added The Sharks new boss.
The Sharks have always placed a huge emphasis on the inclusion of the whole family and Smit believes this year’s Stihl Sharks Trail Adventure will further promote these core family values.
The day is one geared at the whole family, it is perfectly positioned on the calendar as everyone looks to wrap up the year and get into holiday mode and the programme that has been put together has something for everyone and promises to produce a fantastic day of adventure and fun.
With four mountain biking (40km, 19km, 10km and 2km) and two trail running (18km and 9km) races to choose from, a unique Sunday staging of the Shongweni Farmer’s Market where over eighty stalls will display their wares which promise to carry a strong Christmas flavour, easy-on-the-ear live entertainment and the smell of braais going amidst the shade of the Summerveld Estate trees, the event promises to be an enjoyable day for everyone.
Another added benefit set to be rolled out at this year’s event for the first time is the ability for Discovery members to earn Vitality points for participating in the MTB and trail running events.
Entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za and more info can be found at www.sharkstrailadventure.co.za
