eritage
Park WalK 2003
Wild With Opportunity
"Within each person is a hidden store of energy. Energy that can be released to compete in the marathon of life. Marathons are not only for road runners"
World Environment Week was celebrated with a five-day walk from 01 June to 05 June 2003 as a way of promoting awareness about the Heritage Park Planning study. The 115km walk was launched in Madikwe as the starting point for approximately 130 anxious though very determined men, women and children.
The Heritage Park Walk was a brainchild of Maretha Shroyer, Manager: Protected Area Development and Establishment. It was also aimed to deepen public awareness about the need to preserve and enhance the environment and promote the concept of outdoor adventure and nature-based activities for fitness, fun and education on conservation. It was also about promoting the partnership of conserving wildlife with communities and landowners.
The walking distances were:
Day 1 - 21km - Madikwe to BopitikeloDay 2 - 31km - Bopitikelo to Gansvlei
Day 3 - 25km - Gansvlei to Lebetlhane
Day 4 - 28km - Lebetlhane to Legkraal in Pilanesberg
Day 5 - l0km - Legkraal to Moloto Picnic Site
The heros and heroines of the walk were those who participated from beginning to end. Reaching the end of the long walk was like beating Mount Everest.
Although they had blisters, stiff muscles and cramps to nurse afterwards, they were all triumphant, singing and beaming with self pride and satisfaction.
The Heritage Park Walk culminated in a befitting grand finale, decent lunch and drinks where people shared their experiences and pledged their support for the next walk, should it be taken forward. Both the Park Management of Madikwe and Pilanesberg took some time off to thank the organisers and participants.
It had seemed like a far fetched idea but it really turned out as a wonderful concept that received enormous support.
The Board thanks all participants, including the strong support system that had been put together to take care of the incidental casualties and transporting those who took breaks in between walks to regain endurance.
for the
fireside storytellerfrom Dikgang September 2003
