Ninth Ocean Racing Series kicks off

THE popular Ocean Racing Series provides an ideal opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the beachfront while competing in fun and exciting events at Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth.

"This will be the ninth season of the Ocean Racing Series with eleven race days between now and March next year," Michael Zoetmulder, owner of Zports, said.

"The Sunday morning race days offer an action-packed programme of five separate events to choose from, ensuring something suitable for everyone in the family."

The series kicks off tonight with a pre-season registration function at News Cafe, where all seriesregistered members will have an opportunity to collect their race packs.

Race day one will take place on Sunday at Hobie Beach with entries open from 7.30am and the events starting at 9am.

The eleven race days will take place on mostly alternate Sunday mornings with a break during the December holidays and another mini-break in February. A once-off R50 series membership fee is charged with morning entry fees of R60 for the Ocean events, R40 for the beach events and R30 for the kids' 1km beach run.

Supported by numerous Port Elizabeth companies, the Ocean Racing Series not only offers a perfect opportunity to get fit and healthy this summer but is also instrumental in supporting the Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Over the past three seasons, the series has contributed more than 10% of the foundation's dream allocation for the entire Eastern Cape.

Also part of the series are children from townships in the area, who are recruited as part of the Masakhane Future Stars programme, supported by Willard Batteries and Pagdens, to afford the kids a regular opportunity to take part in key sports events in the city.

A packed Hobie Beach is anticipated for the launch of season nine this weekend.

For more information, see www.oceanracingseries.com