Namibia River Challenge

4 days....20 boats....450km....countless crocodiles
 
This invitational challenge will take place from 1-7 March 2009 between 10 inflatable boats from South Africa, and 10 from neighboring country Namibia. 

These 20 boats will travel 450km over 4 days on the Okavango River. The Okavango has the highest density of crocodiles in the world, not to mention the extreme rapids. 

The challenge will consist of special stages and long haul tasks through which teams can score points each day.

The Namibia River Challenge will be filmed by Rat Race Media with six cameramen, as well as a camera crew in a helicopter. The idea for the Namibia River Challenge sprung from the CANSA Berg River Challenge concept.

OEWONA (Organization for the Empowerment of Widows / Widowers and Orphans of HIV and AIDS in Namibia) will benefit from this challenge. OEWONA aims to promote the empowerment of widows or widowers and orphans due to HIV /AIDS and TB. Improvement of living standards by facilitating access to better nutrition and acquisition of skills is one of the most important goals of this organization.

OEWONA further more seeks to instill self-confidence through own contributions to society; and to improve access to basic services such as health for their well-being so that the beneficiaries are entitled to full, healthy and productive lives.

Initiating and lobbying for support to address the needs and to ensure the rights of widows or widowers and orphans. OEWONA also initiates programs targeting HIV/AIDS/TB clients, by providing community-based care and support services.