Kinetics.co.za supports First Rand, Wesbank & COP 17 in upcoming cycle challenge!
COP 17 Cycle Challenge November 2011
Kinetics.co.za will be sending a support team and a vehicle down with 12 First Rand Bank cyclists as they make their way from Johannesburg to Durban as part of a COP 17 initiative.
WesBank prides itself on being a good corporate citizen in many ways. One such way is to measure our carbon footprint. In other words how our existence as a Company impacts on the environment.
WesBank has been calculating its carbon footprint since 2008 and we divide the overall carbon emissions into sources of emissions. The methodology that WesBank uses to calculate carbon emissions is internationally recognised as best practice in carbon footprinting. We account for emissions from the following sources for our Fairland Campus as well as our branches.
Emissions from the burning of generators in buildings.
Emissions from the burning of fuels used for transportation of staff, fuel use claims, air travel, and hire cars.
Emissions from the electricity consumed in the running of the buildings and businesses.
Emissions from the paper consumed during business.
Emissions from the intentional and unintentional releases from equipment such as air conditioners.
In the last financial year, the Fairland Campus team implemented significant projects in relation to energy efficiency and the efficient running of the Fairland Campus Building, which resulted in a 42% decrease in the total carbon footprint since 2008, which is well beyond the FirstRand target of 20% by 2020.
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This is a great result, and shows how with a little extra effort and a more conscientious energy efficiency programme, we can make a significant impact on reducing our carbon emissions. These initiatives pointed out to us that although we may be in an environmentally friendly building, if we don’t use it correctly, we won’t get the desired results.
Did you know that FirstRand is considered one of South Africa’s Climate Change business leaders?
Sizwe is a member of the CEO Forum, which comprises SA business leaders in support of a national climate change objective. The forum was established to respond to government’s call to action a Team South Africa approach.
With this in mind, FirstRand has planned several initiatives to coincide with the UN’s conference on climate change (COP 17) in Durban. One of these initiatives is a five-day cycle challenge from Johannesburg to Durban undertaken by 12 FirstRand cyclists. Our WesBank cyclists are Nicholas Litton, Leonard Smith and Johan Steyn. These three mad men will be raising awareness of the COP 17 Cycle Challenge at lunch time on Friday (18 November) by riding stationary bikes at the Fairland premises entrance.
The cyclists will be raising funds for WesBank Volunteers’ tree planting initiatives. Please lend them your support! By making a donation you stand in line to win some great prizes, including a custom-made WesBank cycling jersey. More information will be circulated closer to the time.
Read more here... | | | Olympic Qualifications for Lightweight Men's 4- and Women's 2- at the 2011 World Rowing Championships, Bled Slovenia
by Tony Paladin
The close of the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia saw the qualification of the LM4- and W2- for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
The Olympic qualification system works on placings at the World Championships in the year prior to the Olympic Games with different numbers of boats that are able to qualify per event.
A total of 129 boats were able to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games and after Bled 2011, this was made up of 33 qualifying countries.
From an athlete's perspective, our qualification race was the hardest race I have ever raced. It is everything that I though it would be and more. It tested every part of my training and asked questions that I had to dig deep to find the answers for.
Our final saw 6 boats finishing within 1.25 seconds with Serbia drawing the short straw and not qualifying for the Games. Shaking Milos Tomic's hand (the stroke from Serbia) straight after our race gave me perspective of how tough and cruel this sport is. We are the same age and similar rowing background and have given up much of our souls toward this quest.
To do the most justice to our quest, it is best to look at the picture gallery (opposite), our Youtube video and the following Worldrowing.com articles.
World Champs reveals first Olympic qualifications
33 Countries qualify for London 2012
The quest for Bled, a Youtube video by Matt Brittain
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"The lightweight men’s four never fails to deliver when it comes to excitement, close racing and drama. With all crews weighing almost the same and often very similar in height, it is very much a level playing field on the 2000m race course. Today four heats lined up with the aim of finishing first to guarantee a direct path to the semifinals on Wednesday.
Heat oneopened and reigning World Champions, Great Britain featured. But at the start it was South Africa in the lead. In the stroke seat for South Africa was 31-year-old Tony Paladin. Paladin raced regularly up until 2006, then stepped away from competitive racing, became a coach and set up a business. Last year Paladin came back to top level competition and he leads a younger crew with an unrelenting stroke style. This unrelenting style forced the British to settle for second through the first half of the race. Then the British put the pressure on to take the lead coming into the final sprint. At the line the British had earned the qualifying spot but not without a huge fight with the South African’s. South Africa will now have to return to race in the repechage on Tuesday." |
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Hi-tech Stone Staircase Trail run (07 August 2011)
Oh my goodness, what a FREEZING cold Winter's morning to be out in the Wonderboom Nature reserve for a run!
The Kinetics.co.za team kicked off with a very early start to the day with Stuart, Janine, Tony, Arline, Anca, Jenna and Elmarie meeting in Wonderboom at 6:30 to service the shivering athletes!
The team was grateful for the 8 liter coffee percolator we had purchased earlier this year to churn out the much needed hot coffee to soothe the personalities!
Francois and his team at Vertical Horison organised a slick event with prizes scattered along the trail and a vibey gathering at the finishing point.
The Kinetics.co.za team had a great morning promoting injury free training and sound advice to many of the runners. |
Amanzingwe Trail Run (31 July 2011)
The Amanzingwe Trail run...
WOW!!! What a wonderful run!! Well done to Debbie and the Wildtrail team for organising a truly wonderful yet challenging race. This route really did show you the true nature and rawness of what trail running is supposed to be all about! Steep inclines and descents with loads of technical sections all crammed into 5km's.
After my run I was extremely grateful that the skilled Biokineticists of the kinetics.co.za team was there to give me a fantastic stretch and good advice for my training for future events.
I will be back for more!
(Janine Paladin) |
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Nissan Trailseries #2 Teak Place (23 July 2011)
What a wonderful day it turned out to be this saturday morning. Although chilly early on, everyone braved the cool air and traffic to ride in the beautiful surroundings of Teak Place.
The Kinetics.co.za team were there early to set up and await the riders upon their return.
The team got to work on weary, tight legs and offered advice after some tumbles occurred on the course. We rapidly became high in demand while people waited patiently for their turn with our highly skilled professionals.
The smell of braais filled the air and we were reminded on a somewhat near summer.
A great day was had by all and we look forward to seeing you all again at the next race.
Keep fit and smiling!!
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| Num-Num Trail Run (16 July 2011)
Kinetics.co.za set on a weekend adventure to Gods Window for an opportunity to be involved in the first Num-Num Trail run. This is sure to become a sought after race in the future. Donna and her team did a spectacular job at arranging everything, from accommodation, food, water tables and all aspects that one would expect to find at top organised races.
The race catered for all types from the beginner runner (11-15km) to the most advanced trail racer (43km). Those that weren't running got to enjoy the warm sun, friendly staff and beautiful surroundings while we waited for the fearsome runners to return.
Upon finishing their hectic race runners were greeted with a warm cheer and some even with an ice-cold Beer!!
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The Kinetics team worked with magic hands on weary and heavy legs.
We will definitely be there next year! Bigger and better! |
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