Emnotweni Casino's Amazing Valentines Race an amazing success

Congratulations to David & Judy Van Schalkwyk who took home 1st prize!

Nelspruit’s first Amazing Valentines Race – organised by Emnotweni Casino in conjunction with Lowvelder Newspaper, Jacaranda RMFM and Riverside Mall – was an action-packed, fast-paced scramble, with the eight competing couples dashing around Riverside Mall looking for the clues that would lead them to the big prize, a romantic getaway for two at Emnotweni Sun Hotel worth R4 000.

In high-spirits and filled with excitement, the couples put their heads together to “crack” the clues (some of which left them scratching their heads for a while), and complete their challenges which included amongst others, eating ice cream at Urban Ice with sushi sticks collected from John Dory’s; painting a self portrait at the Portrait Studio; buying a Valentine’s Card at CNA; cycling from the Extreme Sport Shop to the Valley of Spices; making own cocktails at the Explorer’s bar, and playing casino tables.

There were a few twists and turns in the race, such as one member of the couple having to peddle the cycling leg of the race on a children’s bicycle, a surprise award for the best dressed couple from Arthur Kaplan, and a guest appearance by Jacaranda FM’s Miguel, who dished out the clues to the couples at Jon Dory’s.

Adding to the excitement, Jacaranda FM called into each of the couples live on air during the race to find out how they were progressing and keep listeners up to speed on how the competition was going – just like the real TV show!

Amongst the participants were two media couples; Solange Soares and partner from Jacaranda FM and Hennie Homann and partner from Lowvelder Newspaper. These two teams battled it out against one another to win R5000 for their chosen charity. Lowvelder was the winning team. They have chosen to give their loot to (Nelspruit Community Chest).

The first couple to reach the last stop with their Emnotweni backpack filled with all their clues was David & Judy van Schalkwyk. They claim the 1st prize which includes:

• 2 x nights at Emnotweni Sun Hotel (for the couple, B&B)
• 1 x R300 Explorers Restaurant vouchers
• 1 x R500 Riverside Mall voucher
• 1 x R300 Nels River Spa voucher
• 1 x R200 Xtra Credit voucher

The couple racing in for second place was Janco & Henriette Scott, and coming in third was Yolanda & Willie Steenkamp. Both couples received a two-night stay at the Stay Easy as well as vouchers.

“We are just bowled over by what a super success the first Amazing Valentines Race was. It generated huge hype in the Riverside Mall as shoppers and bystanders watched as the couples sped passed them in a race against the clock, not to mention a battle of wits.

“We are delighted by the outcome and want to thank the participants for taking the plunge and being part of it. I am sure they can attest to the fact that it was a test of their ability as a couple to work together.

“I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and the stores and restaurants at Riverside Mall which enthusiastically supported this event and showed such great spirit. We hope to make this an annul event,” says Ig Olivier, general manager of Emnotweni Casino and Entertainment Complex.