Smart phones and tablets are so much part of our lives that computers are beginning to seem a little antiquated.
But there is always a role for a computer, particularly in our schools. No school can ever have too many computers, which are useful in so many ways.
SPAR and Mustek Electronics have joined forces to enable three schools to win valuable computer equipment and accessories worth thousands of rands.
The three schools with the most entries for the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Marks Park on October 8 will win a Mecer laptop with Win7 Starter and School Image. In addition, the school with the most entrants will also win a Brother Flatbed Colour Print, Fax, Copy and Scan printer. The school that comes second will receive a Brother Flatbed Laser Mono Print, Fax, Copy and Scan printer.
Any school that enters more than 20 girls is eligible for the prize. The entry forms must be submitted together before September 25. Late entries will not qualify for the prizes.
Girls taking part in the 10km Challenge must be 15 or over, but there is also a 5km Fun Run open to girls who are nine and over, which means primary schools also stand a chance of winning the computers. In fact, the school that won last year was the Johannesburg Girls Preparatory School.
Some girls may want to run but walkers are welcome in both the 10km Challenge and the Fun Run. Many girls will welcome this as an opportunity to chat with their friends and catch up on the latest news.
Schools could add to the fun by having internal competitions – perhaps house against house, or grade against grade. The boys at the school also have a role to play – they can come along to Marks Park or line the streets to provide moral support for their schoolmates.
There is also a serious side to the day – proceeds from both races will go to Reach for Recovery, which is a support group for women with breast cancer. All Reach for Recovery volunteers are breast cancer conquerors, so they are well aware of what newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are going through. They provide support, counselling and a shoulder to cry on.
There will also be plenty of fun on race day. There are some fabulous prizes on offer, including SPAR vouchers and the wonderful Afro-pop group, Denim, will provide entertainment at the race.
The first 16 000 pre-entries will each receive a free race t-shirt and the first 16 000 finishers will receive a medal and a goody bag.
So talk to your teachers, talk to your friends and get those entries in for the most beautiful road race. Just think how popular you will all be if your school wins a laptop.
