Yesterday was a very special day. For one thing, it was my birthday (thanks). For another thing, it was the beginning of the 2013 #Run2Stop Challenge. race was full of surprises as the nerves of uncertainty kicked in! The day started with lots of cameras and interviews at the beautiful grounds of Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. On a side note, that is the single best nickname in human history.

After meeting my team mates, and feeling Pierre Spies’ back during a team photo, we jumped into our cars and cruised to Zodwa Special School, which educates learners with mental disabilities. Zodwa Special School is a place filled with endlessly patient teachers (we asked loads of silly questions), and keen, polite kids.

Our first task was to paint a kitchen for them and build storage cupboards – which meant sweet overalls and lots of handiwork.

Even strokes, kids.

Ben from the Bounce and I went head to head with the paint, buckets, brushes and rollers, while my other team mates, Pierre Spies and Jimmy Tau tackled the cupboards.

It took three and a half hours for my team, Team Force (yassis!) to down tools with a finished product, thereby pleasing the teachers and claiming sweet victory, simultaneously. It should be noted that Gcobani Bobo of Team Edge is less than special with a assembly diagram.

It should also be noted that Jimmy Tau is the most famous person in South Africa, as demonstrated by the kids’ reaction to his arrival shortly before they staged a radical gumboot dance for us.

Victory was pleasurable, but short-lived. Many hours later it emerged that Team Edge claimed the running and cycling legs of the race (by less than 5 minutes), thereby taking overall victory for the day.

Right now we’re rolling out of Potch, heading towards New Foundations creche to build a new jungle gym for the kids. I’m quietly confident.