ODAA 4x4 Challenge and Mega Sheep Counting Competition

Agri Mega Week 2011 will once again play host to a set of regular fixtures on the programme, which visitors, exhibitors, and locals have come to know and love.

4x4 activities, ranging from demonstrations, driving lessons, and the ever popular competition, are vehemently being planned by this year's hosts, the Overberg District Agriculture Association (ODAA). The ODAA invites all interested parties to enter the popular ODAA 4x4 Challenge, and come and demonstrate their driving skills and competence.

Rola Motors is once again the proud sponsor of the event and will have a number of 4x4 vehicles on display and available for the competition. The Challenge is focussed on teams from various agriculture associations, members of the public, as well as businesses or other organisations who wish to enter a team. A professional 4x4 instructor will be on hand to adjudicate the participating teams and lend a word or two of advice to the less experienced entrants regarding the finer details of off-road driving.

The 4x4 range at Mega Park consists of 8 obstacles in total, with aptly descriptive names such as; 'Watergat,' 'die Wal,' 'Stadig-oor-die-Klippetjies,' and of course the ever intimidating 'Table Mountain.' Despite the fact that each obstacle has its own unique rules, the marking consists of 100 predetermined points for each of the respective obstacles, with deductions being made for each driving-error.

Teams consist of 2 members, a driver and a navigator, that will participate throughout Agri Mega Week 2011. Winners will be announced on Friday, 16 September, and cash prizes will be jointly shared between the team members and a pre-identified agriculture association or welfare organisation.

Entries, costing R50 per team, need to be submitted early to ensure participation, and close on the 9th of September. Those thatwho are enticed by the idea of off-road driving, but are not too keen on entering the competition or attempting the obstacle course themselves, can take a free demonstration drive with a 4x4 instructor and experience the thrill first hand.

Entry forms, queries, and additional information can be obtained from Hanno Maritz from the ODAA at cell: 076 730 3225, Tel: 028 424 2368 or e-mail: hanno@agrimega.co.za

Counting sheep is by no means confined to those that can't fall asleep. Agri Mega Week 2011 will once again host this popular competition that will pit participants against one another in what will undoubtedly be a heated contest. Despite possibly seeming a bit arbitrary at first, the intricacies and necessity of being able to accurately determine the number of sheep in a flock, often at a distance, and while moving, is both imperative and not to mention, particularly difficult. The first sheep counting competition held in the world occurred in 1984 in Dewetsdorp, and has since become somewhat of an institution.

This year's competition will be presented and conducted under the watchful eye of Daan van Tonder, the dedicated Driekop Dewetsdorp Sheep Counting Officials, and BKB.

Taking place on Friday, 16 September, at 09:00 sharp in the SAB-Arena at Mega Park, participants stand the chance to win fantastic cash prizes ranging from R1 000 to R5 000. Everyone, from experienced counters, upcoming and emerging producers, to farm workers and members of the public, are encouraged to come and try their eye, or fingers and toes, at this unique pastime. Entry to the competition is free! Please see the attached invitation.

For more information regarding the Sheep Counting Competition, additional information, enquiries, and reservations for exhibitors please contact Reinette Basson at 021 863 0701 or eventsadmin@agrimega.co.za or visit the Agri Mega Week 2011 website at http://agrimega.co.za/agrimegaweek-2011