Street parties mark halfway spot of EcoMobility Festival journey

15 October 2015

 

As the EcoMobility World Festival trundles towards its third week, the exciting month-long non-motorised transport adventure will take a sporty turn this weekend when Sandton opens up some of its streets for people to play, party and celebrate the success of the past two weeks.

 

Many Johannesburg residents have since Monday October 4 left their cars at home and either walked or cycled, or used public transport, to work and back to unclog the streets of Sandton of vehicular traffic and contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the city.

 

The Street Sports Weekend, as the carnival-like fair is called, will see hundreds of Johannesburg residents let their hair down and transform Maude Street – between West and Gwen streets – in particular into a haven of fun, games and entertainment and a kaleidoscope of colours and cultures.

 

“The Street Sport Weekend marks the halfway spot of our highly successful EcoMobility World Festival so far. It was pleasing over the past two weeks to witness more and more people riding or walking to work, or using public transport,” says Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Councillor Christine Walters.

 

“It demonstrates that indeed we can change the way we move. What better way to celebrate this small step to the mobility of the future than to play and party in the streets.”

 

In the wake of the heatwave that baked Gauteng non-stop over the past two weeks, nothing would be more welcome than a 300-metre water slide to cool oneself with. Saturday’s giant Jozi Slide will be just one of the major attractions in a day jam-packed with sporting activities such as skateboarding, table tennis, five-a-side soccer, volleyball, netball and basketball.

 

Sunday October 18 has been reserved for indigenous games such as ncuva and morabaraba. But some of those who would have taken part in the previous day’s games and lost will have the opportunity to settle the “old” scores.

Live music catering for all musical tastes will also be provided to crown the sporting weekend.