I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE
THE RACE FOR PEACE 2025
Soweto, South Africa, Vilakazi Precinct
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Exhibition Park
London, England, Queen Elizabeth Park
Neuchatel, Switzerland venue TBA
Shinshiro, Japan venue TBA
BACKGROUND
The events in Soweto which took place on June 16th, 1976, sent chilling images around the world as police opened fire on school children, who were protesting against the teaching of Afrikaans as their national language, hundreds of young people were brutally killed. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16th June as National Youth Day and June as the Youth month.
In recognition of the founding of Youth Day, Nelson Mandela supported the Race for Peace, an event to promote the use of Sport as a means to promote international peace and goodwill amongst all nations. 30 years on the Race for Peace has never been more relevant.
From 1991 – 1995, Tim Cantle-Jones worked in the Townships of South Africa helping to organise sport.
As a result of the legacy of Apartheid, South Africa Townships had virtually no sports facilities or organised sports coaching programmes.
With the support of President Nelson Mandela, Tim organised the Race for Peace in 1994 to promote a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa and to raise money for Township sports projects.
2024 EVENT
Thirty years on from the first event in 1994, the Race for Peace has been given a new purpose and this year on June 16th, students from Phefeni Secondary School and Orlando West High School joined the “Class of 76” who had attended the same schools for a historic event to commemorate the student protest which horrifically led to the loss of so many young lives.
These two Soweto schools who were joined in tragedy and sorrow in 1976 have now committed to lead the world in a movement to promote peace and goodwill amongst all nations.
ENGAGEMENT
All global participants will be encouraged to buy an official race T-shirt, profits from the sales being split between a number of youth related charities