Attachme
Toted as the biggest social event in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is the annual Kiwanis Charity Race Day. It is a colorful tropical island version of the Melbourne Cup. It stops the nation for 8 heart stopping, lung yelling races, run on a track like no other.
The event attracts approximately 10,000 race goers from all over the world and is the commencement of the tiny nation’s Independence celebrations. The race even attracts Aussie stewards and race callers. “Race day in Vanuatu beats Flemington's party atmosphere hands down,” said one enthusiast.
The majority of the jockeys have grown up riding wild horses without bridles, helmets and most often go bare foot. They train with fierce intensity to the best of their ability. The race weekend commences with the:
• Gala Charity Ball Thursday 16th July 2009
• Calcutta Dinner Friday Night 17th July 2009
• Race Day Saturday 18th July 2009
Wendy Hargreaves says, “As a Port Vila race week survivor, I highly recommend attending every event. It's a great way to meet the locals. It’s also a fun way to raise funds for local schools".
Numerous locals and overseas visitors dress up in their top rigouts in the hope of winning prizes in the fashion parades, while other punters settle for shorts, shirt and thongs. The temperatures hover around the comfortable mid 20’s. Of course if it has rained the night before you might have to sidestep the odd large patch of mud.
Punters put their bets on the eight races, at a tote overseen by local bank clerks. Proceeds from the day going to assist local schools, who get very little assistance from the government.
The Vanuatu Kiwanis Club has Peter Wilson, a well known local entity, as race chairman. Peter has had involvement with the races since its inauguration in 1985. All in the fun of a once-been-to-
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) providing high school education grants for children who are without hope. They would like to help you get a couple of tickets to the great event, the Kiwanis Race Day.
Contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org. This offer is strictly limited.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
