One of the most ambitious community projects undertaken taken to date - to develop and train members of the local community to assist with sports eventing - has just been launched with great  success.

Knysn-based event organisers Magnetic South have introduced a very exciting project in partnership with the TSiBA Eden, a business school based in Karatara. Magnetic South has been the driving force behind the development of athletes from previously disadvantaged communities for over 5 years. It started with its management and training of the first ever Development Adventure Racing Team. This program has continued with the ongoing backing given to the Knysna Canoe Club Development Squad.

“ Adventure Racing / Multi – Sport incorporates kayaking as one of the many disciplines an athlete is likely to encounter when engaging in this activity. Trail Running and Mountain Biking being the other major components. Magnetic South has identified the need to support the local kayaking program especially as passing on the skills needed to be competent on water require much more focus and attention than learning how to run or ride. Being behind the development of potential multi-sport athletes it made logical sense for our organisation to expand our involvement in the community to passing on our skills in organising sports events as well, hence our partnership with TSiBA Eden has evolved. ” said Mark Collins of Magnetic South.

“One of the Garden Route’s top attractions, The Featherbed Nature Reserve, will play host to the highly popular, Salomon Featherbed Trail Run, during this years Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. What better place to blood in our first group of community based candidates to test their new found skills working on an event.” Continued Collins.

The Featherbed Company have been extremely supportive and provided their infrastructure for the first set of intensive lectures and a 15 km endurance test of the candidates. Under the mentorship of TSiBA Eden Business Manager, Linden Booth, twenty seven students were put through their paces for over 8 hours to select the first batch of future potential event organisers.

This initial selection course will now be followed up with a written test to ascertain how much information was taken in and a further IT skills test will then form part of the final selection phase with another gruelling fitness evaluation before a short list of candidates is decided apon.

“The synergies between what Magnetic South have created and the syllabus being followed by the TSiBA Eden dovetail perfectly in creating what we believe will be well rounded and very productive future entrepreneurs to take their place in the South African economy. The Featherbed experience could not have been a more ideal springboard to help motivate and focus those who put themselves on the line in this unique partnership.” said Linden Booth. “

Watch out for the TSiBA Eden team and their progress at the 2010 Salomon Featherbed Trail Run. For more information www.magneticsouth.net  www.edencampus.co.za or www.knysnafeatherbed.com