Ironmen Race to Save Lives

Cool Runnings Charity Drive Begins at Brightwater Commons
Two ordinary men will be doing something extraordinary this weekend in aid of raising awareness and funds for The Sunflower Fund, a charity that assists those suffering from life-threatening blood disorders and cancer.

Ulrich Roux and Joff Gouveris will take part in an ultra-triathlon over a distance of more than 1000 kilometers from Johannesburg to East London, beginning their nine-day journey at Brightwater Commons in Randburg on Saturday 14 January.

The public is being called upon to support this initiative by spreading the word and donating funds to the Cool Runnings Charity Drive. The direct beneficiaries will be The Sunflower Fund who treat and care for South Africans diagnosed with leukaemia and other life-threatening blood disorders. The Sunflower Fund gives cancer-sufferers the chance of life irrespective of their race and financial circumstances.

The Cool Runnings Tri team will go the distance by cycling 90km, running 21.1km and swimming 1.9km each of the nine days, the equivalent of half an Ironman race per day. They will then complete the Ironman SouthAfrica 70.3 event for The Sunflower Fund in East London on 22 January, where they wish to gain maximum exposure for the charity with the assistance of race organisers and sponsors.

“We see ourselves as average Joe’s who are by no means career athletes but rather multi-sportsmen who are passionate about keeping fit and healthy while enjoying the outdoors and supporting our chosen charity,” says Gouveris, whose sister Tina Gouveris lost her life due to lack of funds and knowledge around the blood disorder she was battling.

“Her last days were spent at the Constantia Park Clinic in Cape Town where she was admitted to the Sunflower Ward. She was very passionate about the fund and so we decided to support the charity to continue her legacy,” explains Gouveris.

The Sunflower Fund aims to educate and recruit bone marrow stem cell donors who are ethnically diverse, in an effort to save the lives of those suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. It also strives to maintain the associated donor records of the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

Gouveris decided to begin their Cool Runnings Charity Drive at Brigtwater Commons by the Pick n’ Pay, as the store is owned by his family which means they can lend their support as the team begin their draining adventure.

This initiative requires sponsors for the equipment, accommodation and meals on the way down and while the drive has garnered support there is still room for more assistance. Their journey will be mapped out ahead of time with rest stops, sleeping arrangements and opportunities to bring awareness to The Sunflower Fund.

Both Roux and Gouveris are well prepared for the grueling journey, having competed in marathons and ultra-marathons, including The Comrades as well as cycling challenges such as the 94.7 and Argus races. Roux has two Half Ironman 70.3 events under his belt and both men have been involved in Olympic distance triathlons.
To find out more the public can contact Joff Gouveris on joffpnp@mwebbiz.com or go to their Facebook Group called CoolRunningsTri.

Bank Account details for donations:
Cool Runnings Charity Drive
Nedbank Cheque Account
Account number #1016913184
Branch Castle walk
Branch code #151745
Ref: Name of donator/CoolRun