Saturday. October 30. Day 92. LAST DAY!!!!!!

THE DAY WE HAVE BEEN WAIITNG FOR AND MORE......

There was so much excitement the last two days that I only got round to the blog this morning. And boy was it all worth it. Every km on the way from Joburg to Cape Town paid off.

Waking up on Saturday all grinning with smiles of excitement as there was only about 5 k’s left and not a gruelling 1800 anymore we quickly got dressed and started the day.

Making our way to the marker rigging the safety sign for the last time and surrounded by journalists of every degree we felt a little bummed that it was all over now but at the same time being super excited and proud that we have made it to the end.

Puddy’s family joined in and formed a convoy for us which were led by the metro police to ensure our safety on the busy roads off Cape Town. The skating went smooth and fast with only 4.5 k’s to skate we made it to the Village safely and speedily.

On our arrival we were overwhelmed by the response. The kids went crazy. The supporters went crazy. Every one cheering so loud that we thought Puddy had skated around the world. Some people were overcome with emotion shedding some tears for this amazing feat that Puddy has done for the kids of the SOS Children’s Villages.

Looking at Puddy from a distance we could see that this man was proud off himself and he had all the reason in the world to be. He had just conquered 1800km’s on his skateboard all for charity.

The kids prepared a special welcoming dance for Puddy, on which he even joined in on. A real special moment for the crew. Knowing that these were the kids that the cause was directed to and that they were just as overcome by emotions as we were felt amazingly humane. Knowing that one can still make a difference in the lives of the youth.

Speeches were made and thank you’s were said while a sea of flashes from camera’s filled the air. After handing out skateboards to the kids – which they appreciated tremendously, we were supprised to learn that another convoy had been arranged for us at Mad world and they were taking us out to Amadoda Shebeen were we where to have lunch and relax.

We got to Mad world and were stumped. A convoy of about 30 cars all branded with Skate for Change banners was waiting for us at Mad World. Lead by a huge truck donning speakers and sound equipment with a MC talking to the whole of Cape Town we made our way through the city streets. Puddy was a rock star and the whole Cape Town heard of it. What a great moment to see so much support directed to our cause. Truly mind blowing

We had a lovely lunch and some drinks and watched the rugby. After this we made our way to the Final Frontier Party at Hectic on hope were all the proceeds went to charity.

THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN SKATE FOR CHANGE 2010.

ALL THE SPONSORS. ALL THE FANS. ALL THE KIDS AT THE VILLIAGES. ALL THE MEDIA COVERAGE. ALL THE PARENTS AND FAMILIES THAT TOOK US IN ON THE ROAD. EVERY SINGLE ONE WHO GAVE US A CHEER AND A HOOT ON THE ROAD. THE SUPPORT YOU GAVE US HAS BEEN BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS .

THIS HAS TRULY BEEN AN AMAZING TRIP AND WILL GO DOWN IN THE HISTORY BOOKS. THANKS YOU. WITHOUT ANY OF YOU NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.

Tuesday. October 19. Day 81.

The road was anything but pleasing today. The surface was rougher than a sailors beard and the wind spewed from the front. Puddy got super frustrated almost quitting the attempt. Luckily the road smoothed out as we entered Riviersonderend.

We encountered to gentlemen from the area that stopped us to donate towards the cause. Thanks guys! Later on two other guys stopped us and said that they had read about us and were stoked that they actually got to meet us. They joined us for a group shot.

We went back to the farm and spent some time with the Swart family who treated us to a lovely lunch. I must say Mrs. Swart has treated us extremely well a BIG THANK YOU to her and the family. Definitely getting us back on that optimum nutritional level.

When sundown came Puddy felt the urge to go and get somemore km’s done. So off we went into the tranquil surroundings of the farmlands. The surface was a bit better but still extremely rough. The second session was a lot more fun for everyone as we amused ourselves with crackers and other random acts of ‘being in a good mood’. Tomorrow we head out to Caledon and we are getting closer day by day! Everyone is getting pretty excited.

Top speed: 31km/h

Average speed: 16km/h

Distance skated: 30 km

Total tour distance: 1729

Monday. September 20. Day 52

A day of smiles and sunshine faces amidst the rainy skies.....

Today was one of the reasons why Puddy embarked on this historical Journey, to raise funds and awareness for the

SOS Children’s Villages across the country. Now finally, after 52 days he finally managed to roll into one of the SOS Children’s Villages in P.E. Known as the windy city, the friendly city and on this day the rainy city lived up to all three of these titles.

Upon arrival at the village the kids wore smiles bigger than theirHeads whilst singing and cheering like only happy children can. They even made hugebanners in all colours of the rainbow promoting the cause and the tour.

After our welcoming we moved into a hall where Puddy and Human spoke a few words about the tour and what it’s all about and also encouraging these kids to stay motivated considering their situation. The mic was passed to one of the people working at the Village and she quickly prompted the children who burst into song which they had specifically composed for Puddy and the team. By far the most beautiful and hart warming moment we have experienced as a team, reminding us that there are children less fortunate, and its initiatives like the Children’s SOS Villages that help kids like to reach their goals.

SABC news crew popped in again to film the episode giving us some much needed and more national exposure. Hopefully people saw what we are doing here and donate towards the SOS Children’s Villages. Puddy did a few tricks for the admiring crowd and camera who looked on in awe and kept on cheering the roof off the building.

Outside Puddy and the crew spent the afternoon (despite the rain) learning to skate (the Village had provided the kids with boards).We had scrunches Boere wors rols supplied by Shoprite Checkers.

A great amount of thanks to Shoprite Checkers and Marine Protea Hotel who made this day possible and provided us with some great accommodation.